John Senden leads round one at Australian Open
Round one at the Australian Open has left John Senden with a lead when play commenced on a calm Thursday morning.
The six-under-par 66 gave him with a two stroke advantage over the competition, which includes piranhas like Adam Scott and Englishman Justin Rose, vying for the top slot.
The latter increasingly looks to the Open to start the 2013 season he hopes would be an improvement of his more disappointing performances in 2012.
Senden’s eight spectacular birdies have given him that necessary edge. Just two shots down, Australian Brendan Jones leads the chasing pack that includes four other names (Justin Rose, Kim Felton, Richard Green, and Gareth Paddison).
Unfavourable weather this afternoon helped keep Senden out of their reach thus far. If he can continue to keep the elements on his side, Senden may as well have a significant gap to forgive future bogeys while still keeping on top perch.
"The golf course is in beautiful shape," Senden said. "We had the perfect conditions this morning, teeing off at 7 o'clock. The results have shown in the past couple of years. I have been inside the top 30 and been consistent.
"I have taken those feelings and brought them home to Australia. I feel I can keep improving and keeping knocking on the door in every event I play".
Adam Scott and Justin Rose are this event’s big names. Despite Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy opting to steer clear of the tournament, the cards are all stacked against dull golf at the Open.
The only shot Rose missed was a greedy go for a greenside 12th hole. The flop shot fluffed. "I decided to try and hit the high, s**y lob — that didn't really come off," Rose said after the first round.
Adam Scott’s play saw him putting with his broomstick blade again. The long putter that anchors and pivots at the sternum is all set to be banned starting January 1, 2016, because the 50 inch club helps remove wrist action from the putting stroke when against
the player’s body.
Tied at the seventh place by the end of the first round were Stephen Allan, Nick Flanagan and Marcus Fraser.
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