Trio share Australian Open lead, Saffas make solid start

Stimpmeter · December 4, 2025, 10:00am

Three players set the early benchmark at the Australian Open on Thursday.

PGA Tour winner Ryan Fox, Australian Elvis Smylie and LIV Golf’s Carlos Ortiz carded matching six-under 65s on a demanding Royal Melbourne layout, while Rory McIlroy endured a difficult opening round.

Thousands of spectators lined up well ahead of McIlroy’s crack-of-dawn tee time, eager to follow the world No 2 alongside former Masters champion Adam Scott and fan favourite Min Woo Lee.

The Northern Irishman, however, was unable to generate momentum in gusting northerly winds and on firm, sloping greens, finishing seven shots back after a one-over 72 featuring five birdies and six bogeys.

“Some crowds for seven o’clock in the morning,” McIlroy said of the turnout following his marquee grouping. “It was a wonderful atmosphere with Adam and Min Woo. It was unbelievable to see how many people were lining the fairways and framing the greens.”

Asked how he planned to re-enter contention at the DP World Tour event, the 2013 Australian Open champion acknowledged his shortcomings on the greens.

“I need to putt better,” he said. “I holed some good ones, but I was better from outside 25 feet than from inside five. I made enough birdies; I just need to limit the mistakes.”

Smylie, the defending Australian PGA Championship winner and one of the early starters, delivered seven birdies and a single bogey in a composed 65. The 22-year-old credited his DP World Tour experience for his ability to perform under pressure.

“It shows how much I’ve learned over on the DP World Tour,” Smylie explained. “Week in, week out, you’re always adjusting and adapting as the courses and climates are so different. You’re constantly adding tools to your toolbox. I embrace days like today. I think I belong, and I’m happy to showcase that on a stage like this.”

Fox – son of All Blacks great Grant Fox – also submitted a 65 in the afternoon wave, with eight birdies and two bogeys. The New Zealander, a four-time winner on the European Tour before moving to the PGA Tour, has already claimed two victories in the United States this year.

Ortiz, who tied fourth at this year’s US Open for his best major finish, matched the lead late in the day with a round highlighted by an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys.

England’s Eddie Pepperell opened with a three-under 68, building on the momentum of recently regaining his DP World Tour card via qualifying school.

South Africa’s Micheal Hollick posted a two-under 69 to share 12th position, with countryman Robin Williams a further stroke behind.

Playing alongside McIlroy, Australians Lee and Scott both returned two-under 69s. Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open champion and another LIV player in the field, signed for a one-under 70.

– AFP

Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Article Link: Trio share Australian Open lead, Saffas make solid start