Nick O'Hern leads Australian Masters

Australia's Nick O'Hern made use of an early start to shoot four birdies and two eagles to card an eight-under-par 64 on Thursday and grab a three-stroke first round lead at the Australian Masters.

Robert Allenby, Adam Bland, Steven Conran and John Senden were tied for second after they all shot five-under 67, while Peter O'Malley and New Zealand's Brad Iles were tied for sixth a further stroke back.

Champion Richard Green was one-over par, while world number eight Adam Scott had a rollercoaster round in the blustery winds at Huntingdale Golf Club in suburban Melbourne. Scott carded five bogeys and a triple-bogey six at the par-three fifth hole but also made four birdies to finish on 76, four-over-par.

O'Hern, who teed off on the 10th hole, made an eagle three on the 555-metre 14th when he holed out with a wedge then followed up with another on the 490-metre seventh when his three wood landed four metres (12 ft) from the hole, giving him an easy putt.

The 34-year-old European Tour player, who has yet to win a tournament on it, also notched birdies on the third, sixth, 12th and 17th holes.

"The course was reasonably soft," O'Hern told reporters. "It wasn't too firm so we could fire at the flags a bit.

"I managed to sneak in a few birdies and a couple of eagles, which is very rare. I am very pleased.

"Today I did not hit the ball as well as I have been and all of a sudden I shoot eight under.

"I missed quite a few fairways today, which is unusal for me. it was one of those days where I really scored well. That's what golf is all about."

Allenby, who won the Australian Open at Moonah Links two weeks ago and then the Australian PGA at Coolum last week, is seeking to become the first golfer to win all three of Australia's tournaments in one season.

"I am very happy with five under. It wasn't easy out there," said Allenby, who added that he was feeling the pressure of his pursuit of the triple crown.

"I was a little toey this morning, no doubt about it.

"It is nice to have some attention on me but obviously it makes me a little nervous.

"I just keep telling myself have to keep playing golf.

"I think I showed today that I've still got the swing, I am still making my putts. It is all there.

"Maybe I have to fine-tune it a bit for tomorrow."

December 8, 2005

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