Team Australia had a second solid but not spectacular at The Nomura Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Conditions were consistent all day – a steady breeze and hot (35 degrees plus).
It was a great effort by Harrison Endycott who turned at 4-over, but finished even. Harrison played a very solid back nine never finding any of the trouble that awaits out there and could have had a couple lower if not for some lip outs.
Greens remain soft and slow and players are getting used to this classic links golf course that plays in a unique way – it has not been easy. It’s a fantastic layout though in an unbelievable location.
It was a 1-over 73 for Travis Smyth who couldn’t have had any more than that. He played well but just did not capitalise on his chances. Ben Eccles went under par (71) as did Brett Coletta (71).
We need a big day today to bridge the gap between Chinese Taipei and Japan who are playing great golf. We felt prior to the event that the scores these teams are shooting were possible on this course and they have shown that.
It is a seeded draw tomorrow so our main rivals will be playing around us which will be nice.
Round one leaderboard
1 Team Chinese Taipei -25
2 Team Japan -20
3 Team Thailand -13
4 Team Singapore -12
5 Team New Zealand -7
6 Team Australia -5