Spieth and Day off the pace in Australia

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Superstars Jordan Spieth and Jason Day are well off the pace after the opening round of the Australian Open in Sydney.

Spieth, the defending champion, struggled around the Australian Golf Club in Sydney, signing for a one under 70, seven shots off the pace set by leader and Sydney local Cameron Davis.

The American did not have the brightest start, bogeying the first couple holes. Spieth brought it back with two gains later in the opening nine, including a superb two on the par three fourth.  

But the checkered round continued as he carded three bogeys and four birdies coming home. 

Meanwhile, Day faired much better, shooting a five under 66 that included a double bogey six after an errant tee shot on the par four eighth. Otherwise, the world number 12 rolled in eight birdies and one bogey in an eventful round to sit tied for third, three shots off the front.  

“Such an exciting first day,” the 2015 PGA Championship winner told reporters after the round.

“I came in early this morning and I could hardly get through the front gates, the people were coming in. For an early start the crowd that you had is fantastic, and you played that way.”

Leader Davis was near flawless for his 63, with one bogey being the only blemish on a card filled with birdies, including six on the front nine.  

He is followed by another Australian Taylor McDonald, who is two shots back on six under after his 65.

Australian Open Jason Day Jordan Spieth

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