SYDNEY — Australia’s John Senden shot a 6-under 66 on Thursday in calm morning conditions at The Lakes to take a two-stroke lead in the Australian Open.
Englishman Justin Rose was second along with Australians Kim Felton, Brendan Jones and Richard Green and New Zealand’s Gareth Paddison.
Adam Scott opened with a 72. After practicing with a traditional putter during the week, the Australian used his usual broom-handle model that he anchors to his chest — a technique expected to be banned in 2016.
Tom Watson, playing his first start in the event since winning in 1984, had a 78 in windy afternoon conditions.
Schwartzel leads in Thailand
At Chon Buri, Thailand, South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Thailand Golf Championship.
Schwartzel had seven birdies in a bogey-free round at Amata Spring.
Masters champion Bubba Watson opened with a 68.
Feng up by four
At Dubai, United Arab Emirates, China’s Shanshan Feng opened a four-stroke lead in the Dubai Ladies Masters, shooting a 7-under 65 in the second round.
Feng, the LPGA Championship winner in June, had a 13-under 131 total at Emirates Golf Club in the Ladies European Tour’s season-ending event.
Defending champ Lexi Thompson was 7 under after a 68.
Rain delays Nelson Mandela Championship
At Durban, South Africa, rain has washed out play until today for the inaugural Nelson Mandela Championship. The event opens the 2013 European Tour season.
