Big-hitting Queenslander Scott Hend has fired a scintillating six-under-par 66 to hold a one-shot lead over James Nitties midway through the opening round at the 2009 Australian Open at NSW Golf Club.
Playing in the first group of the morning wave under perfect blue skies, Hend made the most of benign conditions posting eight birdies and two bogeys and appears almost certain to lead going into round two as the wind begins to freshen.
Nitties, who rebounded from an opening bogey with a birdie on the par-three 11th and an eagle on the par-five 12th, continued his strong recent play on his way to an impressive opening round of 67.
Adam Scott continued his late-season resurgence posting a solid four-under 68 to share third spot with Victorian Stephen Allan.
Jarrod Lyle is among five players a further stroke back after signing for a 69 alongside Michael Brennan and Andrew Dodt.
Nick O'Hern is also well-placed at three under the card through 17 holes while American David Oh is also minus-three with five holes remaining.
Fellow American Bryce Molder and Victorian Marc Leishman are among nine players at two-under after signing for 70s, while Michael Sim is also two-under with one hole to play.
Matthew Goggin and Greg Chalmers have both made dream starts with birdies at the par-four 1st to join a cluster of golfers at one-under.
Tournament drawcard John Daly eagled the par-five eighth to finish with a respectable 72 in a share of 35th place.
Daly, playing in his first tournament since August, mixed six bogeys with four birdies and an eagle in his adventurous opening round.
Aaron Baddeley is also level-par through 17 holes, one clear of veteran Peter Senior who carded a one-over 73.
Rod Pampling struggled to a two-over 74 while pre-tournament favourite Geoff Ogilvy has made a disastrous start with bogeys at the opening two holes.
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