Tiger Woods steady, Sergio Garcia struggling in Australia
Last year when he won the JBWere Masters, Tiger Woods was tied for the lead after the first round. The current world No. 2 couldn't get off to such a strong start this week, but at four strokes off the lead he still has a chance to make Australia the location of his first victory of the year.
With a predominantly local field turning out at the Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne, only two US players figure in the top 30 after today's opener. The joint lead is held by Adam Bland, Daniel Gaunt and Alistair Presnell, each on six-under-par 65, Presnell starting with a bang as he eagled the 1st.
But with all due respect to our Antipodean friends, there were few familiar names around the higher reaches of the leaderboard. Tiger Woods and Jim Herman were the two sole Americans to figure, each man tied for 17th place on two-under, Woods shooting three birdies and a bogey.
There was little wrong with the 34-year-old's tee-to-green play, which must be encouraging for the man in a year when his driver has often gone awry. But now other frailties appear to be creeping into Woods' game, his putts often failing to hit the spot.
Woods' appearance here isn't without controversy; the player is being paid $3million just to show up to defend his title. While he received a similar fee for contesting last year's event, his appearance boosting the local economy 12 months ago, Woods' sullied reputation means this time round he may not be quite the draw he was then.
Elsewhere, Columbia's Camilo Villegas was tied for 41st place, coming home level par after his four birdies were balanced with a pair of bogeys and a double on the par three 7th.
The better known locals weren't faring much better than the outsiders, with local favourite Geoff Ogilvy carding three birdies and four bogeys to finish one-over in a tie for 54th place. Another Aussie known for performing solidly on the PGA Tour (even if he hasn't won since 2001) is Robert Allenby, but the 39-year-old racked up seven bogeys and five birdies here to finish two-over.
Sergio Garcia was the other big name in action here, but sadly the Spaniard's promised revival may have to be put back. Making his third tournament appearance after a two-month break, Garcia finished positively with three birdies on the back nine, two on the last two holes - but prior to that he shipped three bogeys and a double on the 10th. That leaves him two-over-par, tied for 67th place.
Garcia's group had been put on the clock because of slow play, and felt that could have been a factor, telling Australianmasters.com.au: "Everything felt like it was a bit rushed. A couple of shots I didn't even know which way the wind was blowing."
There are a few golf fans who might have a fair idea about that Sergio, but you might not like the answer.
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