The USA take early lead at Eisenhower

BY Bruce Young | Amateur Golf Tour | 2004 World Amateur Team Championships | Round One | 29 Oct 2004

The United States team confirmed their hot favouritism for the Eisenhower Trophy by making an emphatic statement on day one of the Eisenhower Trophy in Puerto Rico.

Ryan Moore’s 65 and Lee William’s 67 were the two scores that would count for the Americans, but even their third member, Spencer Levin, was able to produce a two under 70 that most teams would have killed to get their hands on.

The US team has already opened up a four shot lead over Italy and although the horse hasn’t quite bolted yet, he is certainly showing signs of getting very agitated. The Americans played the slightly easier River course today, but the manner in which the team went about their business, suggests that when they tackle the Ocean Course tomorrow things will not be a lot different.

Ryan Moore’s back nine on of 31 on the Greg Norman designed, River Course was simply brilliant while Lee Williams did his best work over the front nine today producing a 31 before making the turn for home.

The Italians played the Ocean Course today and with the prospect of the easier scoring River course tomorrow, then they have made a very good start to the event. Fransesco Molenari and Matteo Del Podio were both around in 68, with Del Podio reeling of four birdies in his last six holes to make a big move for himself and his team.

In the individual competition Ryan Moore (65) leads by just one for the Swiss golfer Nicolas Sulzer (66).

The Australians have made what could best be described as a solid start to be in 14th place after day one, Perth’s Michael Sim their best with an opening two under 70. James Nitties and Jarrod Lyle both recorded even par rounds of 72. Tomorrow they play the more demanding Ocean course so things are not going to get any easier and they will need to lift considerably if they are to challenge those in, or near the lead.

For the young New Zealand team, all of whom are teenagers, it was a tough initiation. Josh Geary started beautifully to be four under early in his round, but then fell back to be at even par at the end of the day and in 45th position which was a solid start. For Kevin Chun (78) and Riki Kauika (79) however, it was a tough first day. With that experience behind them they should improve tomorrow although they too are faced with playing the Ocean Course on day two.