Allenby, Bonhomme early leaders at Australian
IN: News | Australasian PGA | Australian Open (2007) | Round One | by Bruce Young | 13 Dec 2007
As the morning field completed their rounds on day one of the 2007 Australian Open it was clear that those who had early tee times in the opening rounds were significantly advantaged.
Robert Allenby shared the lead after his round of 67 but even he confessed to the golf course getting more and more demanding over the front nine of the Australian Golf Club’s layout.
Allenby’s round was made to a large extent by a run of six birdies in seven holes through the middle of his round.
“We had probably ten holes in perfect conditions before the wind got up on our 11th hole,” said the Victorian. Holes like the 7th and 9th were very strong holes and with the wind likely to get stronger then we had a real advantage getting out early.”
Three times Australian Open champion, Allenby, enjoyed playing with his good friend Geoff Ogilvy and American Brandt Snedeker and also enjoyed a good run with his putter.
“When I let the putter release I do make a lot of putts and the greens were also perfect today especially being out in the first group from the 10th. They were running at around 10½ on the stimp and I would imagine will get quicker by the end of the week.
Also at five under par 67 was the Queenslander Andrew Bonhomme who has enjoyed a good run of form in his home state, Queensland, this year.
“I have probably played as well as you can do if you stay at home and play domestically,” said Bonhomme after his round, referring to his swag of tournament and pro-am wins this season .
“My game has improved since moving to the long putter at the insistence of my wife Simone late last year. The confidence has flowed into the rest of my game also. Today it was a case of taking the opportunity when it presented itself around here as this course can bite back very quickly”
Bonhomme earned a Nationwide Tour card at the recent PGA Tour School after having graduated to the final stage via stages one and two.
“At last I have a full schedule to play next year after several years having only partial exemption in Japan or playing the events back here. It has been great to have the Von Nida Tour events back here to keep my game going however.”
At four under is another Queenslander, Scott Hend, and Victorian, Geoff Ogilvy.
Hend has come off an excellent season on the Asian Tour where he finished 4th on the Order of Merit while for Ogilvy, who has played only limited golf in recent weeks, it was what he described as a very solid start.
“I have had a nice break and it has given me the chance to work on a few things on my swing,” said last year’s runner up in this event.
