Joel Moscatel Makes History by Setting New Course Record and Leading the Australian PGA Championship

Brisbane, Australia – Joel Moscatel’s stunning performance at the Australian PGA Championship has captured attention, as he overcame the disappointment of missing out on a DP World Tour card by setting a new course record with a score of 63. Meanwhile, defending champion Cam Smith had a rocky start to his title defense.

The 25-year-old Spanish player fell short of securing his full card by just one shot in the qualifying tournament last week. However, he made an impressive start to the European tour season by finishing the first round at Royal Queensland Golf Club at 8 under par.

Moscatel currently leads the tournament, holding a one-shot advantage over Min Woo Lee.

“It was a crazy day, we were so present, enjoying our golf,” Moscatel said, referring to himself and his caddy.

John Lyras sits in third place at 6 under after an outstanding opening round of 65, while Adam Scott, among a group of six players at 5 under, including Connor Syme of Scotland and Ryo Hisatsune of Japan.

Despite starting 1 over through five holes, Scott rallied and made five birdies in six holes around the turn, closing with two more on the last three holes to finish with a 66 and heighten his chances of securing his third Australian PGA title.

“I’m just happy to have played a solid round and starting on the right foot,” Scott said, reflecting on his performance.

Unfortunately, defending champion and hometown favorite Cam Smith struggled, opening with a 73 and finishing 2 over par.

“It was frustrating, upsetting … I really couldn’t get anything going,” Smith expressed his disappointment.

The tournament is co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian Tours, and counted as Smith’s first title on the European tour when he won it in 2017.

Established in 1920 and located along the northern bank of the Brisbane River, Royal Queensland is the proposed golf venue for the 2032 Olympics.