Bowditch leads Queensland Open
BY iseekgolf.com | Von Nida Tour | 2004 Queensland Open | Round One | 04 Nov 2004
A sizzling eight-under par 64 from Steve Bowditch has the Noosa 21-year-old two shots ahead of a star-studded Queensland Open field after today’s first round at Ipswich Golf Club.
In gentle morning conditions, Bowditch shot nine birdies and a bogey to leave him one shot shy of Stuart Bouvier’s course record of 63.
“I had a bit of luck out there,” said a modest Bowditch, who missed a makeable birdie putt on the last that would have tied Bouvier’s feat from last year. "It shaved the lip, but it was a bad putt. You can’t putt well all day," he said.
Adam Le Vesconte and amateur Trevor Egan lead the chasing pack after both finishing at six-under 66.
Caloundra’s Le Vesconte’s round included six-straight birdies, while Queensland Academy of Sport 21-year-old Egan had a bogey-free 18 holes.
Canberra golfer Christopher Campbell and Gosford’s Ricky Schmidt are a shot further adrift at 67, while defending champion Scott Hend is one of eight players on 68.
A weary Hend, who only flew in from America this morning after his debut season on the USPGA Tour, blamed tiredness for his indifferent play around the greens. But he said a good night’s sleep could have him primed to shoot anything as low as nine under tomorrow.
Hend’s playing group included 16-year-old world junior champion Jason Day, who was content with his two-under 70.
Current Australian PGA champion Peter Senior looms dangerously despite feeling unsatisfied with an opening round 69 in windy afternoon conditions.
“It wasn’t a real flash round, I couldn’t hit a wedge on the green,” Senior said.
“But you take a sub-70 first round anytime. If I can shoot a 66 tomorrow, I’m right in it.”
New South Welshman Danny Vera aced the 181m, par-three eighth on his way to a two-under 70.
Source – QGU
