SYDNEY (AP) — The first round of the Australian Open saw 16-year-old amateur Rachel Lee nearly tardy to the first tee but she managed to finish in a tie for the lead with American Jenny Shin.
Teenager Lee had to rush to start her round on Thursday after mixing up the times but that didn’t stop her from finishing with an impressive 6-under 67 at The Lakes Golf Club in a tournament that involves both men’s and women’s fields with a two-venue format.
“I was putting and my coach says, ‘Rachel, you’re on the tee,’” recalled Lee, who is a high school student in Sydney. “So I just ran out there. I’ve learned my lesson.”
Jenny Shin also scored 6 under after a 66 at The Australian Golf Club, putting her in a tie for the lead with Lee. The two were joined by two-time major winner Jiyai Shin of South Korea, who was just one shot behind.
South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai and local Stephanie Kyriacou were trailing closely in fourth place at 4 under.
In the men’s field, Cameron Davis took the lead by one stroke at 9 under after an impressive opening with 63 at The Lakes. The 2017 champion even managed to secure an eagle at the par-5 14th and seven birdies to finish ahead of American Patrick Rodgers.
Scotland’s Connor Syme also made a significant impact, coming in equal third at 7 under after an opening 64 at The Australian.
With all but two of the leading 10 players in the men’s field having their first rounds at The Lakes, Min Woo Lee was right behind, scoring 5-under, just four days after winning the Australian PGA Championship title in Brisbane last Sunday.
In the women’s field, two-time major winner Minjee Lee was in a three-way tie for sixth at 3 under.
Cameron Smith, who failed to make the cut in his title defense at the Australian PGA last week, was in a group of 20 players at 1 under after an opening with 71 at The Lakes.
“There’s definitely something to build on there,” he said.
Adam Scott had an even-par 71 at The Australian with two birdies and two bogeys, positioning him among a big group of players nine shots off the pace.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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