SYDNEY — Australia’s John Senden shot a 6-under 66 on Thursday in calm morning conditions at The Lakes to take a two-stroke lead in the Australian Open.
Englishman Justin Rose was second along with Australians Kim Felton, Brendan Jones and Richard Green and New Zealand’s Gareth Paddison.
Adam Scott opened with a 72. After practicing with a traditional putter during the week, the Australian used his usual broom-handle model that he anchors to his chest — a technique expected to be banned in 2016.
Tom Watson, playing his first start in the event since winning in 1984, had a 78 in windy afternoon conditions, and 14-year-old Chinese amateur Guan Tianling opened with an 82.
Schwartzel up by one in Thailand
CHON BURI, Thailand — South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Thailand Golf Championship.
Winless since the 2011 Masters, Schwartzel had seven birdies in a bogey-free round at Amata Spring.
Thailand’s Thitiphun Chuayprakong was second. Masters champion Bubba Watson opened with a 68, and defending champion Lee Westwood had a 70.
Feng pulling away at Ladies Masters
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — China’s Shanshan Feng opened a four-stroke lead in the Dubai Ladies Masters, shooting a 7-under 65 in the second round.
Feng, the LPGA Championship winner in June, had a 13-under 131 total at Emirates Golf Club. England’s Felicity Johnson was second after a 67, and American Cindy Lacrosse had a 69 to top the group at 8 under in the Ladies European Tour’s season-ending event.
Defending champion Lexi Thompson was 7 under after a 68. Michelle Wie has 1 under after a 73.
Play washes out Mandela tourney
DURBAN, South Africa — Rain has washed out play in the inaugural Nelson Mandela Championship.
