Lombard leads down under
Zander Lombard defied difficult playing conditions to grab the overnight lead in the first round of the Australian PGA Championship on Thursday.
Lombard was one of only six players to break par on the day, with the high winds in Queensland keeping many away from the fairways of the RAVC Royal Pines Resort.
Starting on the back nine, the South African stayed bogey-free for the entire round and shot birdies on the 17th, ninth, sixth, third and second holes to post a five-under 67.
The 20-year-old, who turned professional just 12 months ago, said the performance was one of the best of his career.
“I played really well. It got tricky out there. All round, it’s one of my better rounds,” he told FOX Sports.
“I shot a 64 twice back home but it’s definitely one of my most professional rounds in terms of hitting the ball in the right areas, getting pars.’’
Lombard currently holds a two-shot lead, with England's Mark Foster in second and South Africa's Dylan Frittelli and New Zealander Ashley Hall tied for third on two-under.
Foster shot six birdies and three bogeys, while Frittelli shot one bogey and three birdies to briefly hold the clubhouse lead and Hall shot four birdies and two bogeys.
Todd Sinnott and Adam Stephens, Hall's compatriots, are two shots back on one-under.
Meanwhile, the tournament's top draw card Brandt Snedeker is currently tied for 150th on 12-over after shooting eight bogeys, two double bogeys and a single birdie.
Latest
-
NewsDustin Johnson bidding to hit back from disappointing Masters defence
Johnson had to hand back his green jacket and hang around to present new champion Hideki Matsuyama with his.
-
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama hopes Masters victory can inspire youngsters back home in Japan
Matsuyama became the first Japanese male to win a major at Augusta.
-
NewsJustin Rose relishing packed major schedule after taking positives from Masters
Rose signed for a closing 74 which included a birdie on the 18th.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama hopes Masters win ‘opens the floodgates’ for Japan
Historic win was seen around the world.
-
NewsJon Rahm ready for baby duties after finishing with a flourish
The new father was left wondering might have been at Augusta on Sunday.
-
NewsMasters day four: Hideki Matsuyama makes history for Japan
Matsuyama became his country’s first male major winner while new dad Jon Rahm produced the round of the day.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama survives nervy final round to win Masters green jacket
A one-shot win over Will Zalatoris made Matsuyama the first Japanese winner of a men’s major.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama remains on course for maiden major title at Augusta
Matsuyama steadied the ship after a shaky start to his closing round.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama enjoying ‘less stressful’ Masters as he eyes landmark moment
The 29-year-old holds a four-shot lead heading into the final round at Augusta.