Trio on top at The Cut
BY iseekgolf.com | Von Nida Tour | 2007 Western Australian PGA Championship | Round One | 24 May 2007
New South Welshman Aaron Townsend has joined the early pace setters New Zealander Brad Shilton and Victorian Nigel Stivala in a share of the lead at four-under par following the opening round of the Oceanique WA PGA Championship at The Cut Golf Club, Port Bouvard in Western Australia.
The trio have a share of a one-stroke lead from New South Welshman Julian Reynolds and Queenslander Ryan Haywood who shot one of the afternoons better scores.
Hot on the heals of the leaders is a a pack of six players sharing fifth place that includes Victorians Marc Leishman and Cameron Percy both looking to add to their Von Nida Tour records.
Leishman, a multiple winner on the VNT heads to America next month in pursuit of a US Tour Card.
“Conditions really suit me this week, having grown up in similar surroundings on the south-west coast of Victoria.”
“I only set eyes on the golf course on Monday, but i am already in love with the place,” said Leishman following his first round.
All three leaders, enjoyed a great day on the large undulating greens which proved difficult for a majority of the field.
Shilton, began with consecutive bogeys before a string of birdies on the back nine saw him reach four-under.
Stivala, too got off to a shaky start with a bogey on the first hole, before a blistering back nine that included five birdies in six holes.
Townsend, who didn’t need the putter on the par 3, fourth, where he chipped in produced a near flawless iron display in the more difficult afternoon conditions.
“If i continue to hit fairways and hole a few putts i am going to be there come Sunday afternoon,” Townsend said.
Source – PGA Australia
