Kurt Barnes leads Victorian Open
IN: News | Von Nida | Victorian Open (2005) | Round One | 28 Jan 2005
The 2005 Mitsubishi Motors Vic Open is shaping up to produce a strong field at Woodlands Golf Club over the period 28-30 January.
Big hitting New South Wales professional Kurt Barnes fired a course record seven-under 65 to lead after the first round of the 2005 Mitsubishi Motors Victorian Open played at the Woodlands Golf Club today.
Barnes' round of eight birdies and just a solitary bogey on the par three 17th was enough to take a one-stroke lead from Sweden's Pierre Fulke and Victorian professional Michael Curtain who returned 66's.
While fine early morning weather with gusting northerly winds gave way to an unsettled humid afternoon with light rain, low scoring was rife throughout the day over the 6097 metre immaculately presented Woodlands layout.
Beginning his day at the 10th, Barnes had the unique distinction of not recording a score of more than four on his card. An opening birdie three on his opening hole was followed by birdies on the 13th, 15th and 18th to go out in three-under 33.
Consecutive birdies then followed on the par five second and short third. Barnes completed his rampage with sub-par returns on the sixth and long par three eighth for an inward nine of 32.
Fifty-seven players returned first round scores of par 72 or better from a field of 159 players which will be reduced to fifty plus ties for the final round on Sunday.
Of other notable scores were tournament favourite Richard Green with 72, defending champion Gareth Paddison (NZ) 75 and US Amateur Champion Nick Flanagan 71.
Leading amateur after round one is former Victorian State Team member Steve Symons from the Curlewis Golf Club.
The second round of the 2005 Mitsubishi Motors Victorian Open continues at Woodlands on Saturday January 29th. All gate receipts from the event are being donated to the Tsunami appeal with entry fees $5 for adults while children under 16 are free.
Source - Golf Vic
Photo - Anthony Powter
