Green on top after first day of US Senior Open – PGA of Australia

The Victorian, who finished second at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship a few weeks ago, did not have a single bogey on the first day and made seven birdies. He scored 63, sharing the lead with Japanese Hiroyuki Fujita, who was in the lead at 7 under par.

“It started very well. I thought the preparation was set up really well this week to play this golf course,” Green said.

“Today’s round, you know, it’s proven itself. I’ve been hitting the ball really, really well. There’s a lot of work that’s gone into it and it’s just nice to see it come to fruition.”

Senior golf debutant Mat Goggin is the second-best Australian in joint fifth place after an opening 4-under 66, with the Tasmanian making five birdies on his day and limiting the damage to a single bogey.

Stuart Appleby and Rod Pampling are tied for 15th, both on the first day with a match of 3 under 67.

Green started the day with birdies on his two opening holes and really got going after the turn. He made three birdies on bounce holes 10 through 12 before nearly making his second hole on 18 to post one final birdie.

“I had a good drive there. I was able to get a wedge into the green,” he said of his final hole.

“Had good distance to land it 135 yards in one go. The way the crowd reacted, it sounded like he was hitting the flag. Lucky enough to stop ten feet away.”

Green said Newport’s location and conditions are working in his favour this week and are similar to the courses he knows so well in Victoria.

“Where I live in Melbourne, Australia, our conditions are pretty much the same. There’s not a day in the year where it’s not 25km/h. Same kind of surface, coastal environment,” he said.

“I’m actually used to playing in those conditions. I’ve been practicing before I started playing golf here on the Champions Tour, practicing every day in those conditions, so I’m used to it, I like it. I like the course.

“I’ve had lower scores in my life, but when I look at how I feel on this golf course and the way I’ve prepared, practiced and gotten my game in shape, this is the best round I’ve ever played.

“You couldn’t wish for more.”

Full scores.

Photo: Kathryn Riley/USGA