Adam Scott and Luis Oosthuizen lead WGC-HSBC Champions after the first round
It was a day worth watching and, for the fans, their money surely paid off, as the final WGC event of the year teed off on Thursday.
The field at the Olazabal Course must have felt the absence of two of the biggest names in golf, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, but it was an entertaining day nonetheless.
Adam Scott and Luis Oosthuizen both shot 7-under 65 to lead the championship after round one. The Australian, once again, showed the class he displayed at the British Open this year.
Meanwhile, the 2010 British Open winner, Oosthuizen, shot a flawless round at the Mission Hills. The South African played excellent golf and demonstrated great control on his game, which led to his major victories in the past.
Seven well constructed birdies were the order of the day from Oosthuizen. Starting out and closing out with birdies gave some positive indications.
One of the key factors for his success on Thursday was the driving. Oosthuizen was simply sublime with his drives. They were not only long but also precise and accurate, which then helped him make decent approaches.
"If I can keep doing what I'm doing on the par-5s, you know, hitting the fairways and leaving myself with the irons or a 5-wood or something, you've got a good chance," Oosthuizen said.
Oosthuizen and Scott, both, took advantage of the par-5s at the Olazabal Course. The South African birdied all five of the par-5s, whereas the Australian shot four birdies and an eagle.
The Queenslander, on the other hand, was once again in his groove, as he shot six birdies, an eagle and a lonely bogey on the 17th.
A bogey right at the end was not the best of finishes for Adam. However, he is still right at the top, which is what matters at the end of the day.
"It was a solid day that all of a sudden turned into a really good day," Scott said. "With five par-5s, it kind of sets up well for my game and the plan is to just take advantage of the 5s and hopefully hang in there with the leaders all week".
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