Jarryd Felton has set the early pace at the AVJennings NSW Open shooting 6-under 66 this morning.
It continues a strong showing for the West Australian at the Twins Creek Golf and Country Club after he finished tied 6th at the tournament last year.
“I don’t normally make that many birdies, but I made them today, so hopefully I can keep it going over the next three days,” said Felton.
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“I had four birdies in a row. I birdied probably one of the hardest holes today, the par-3 14th and then got on a bit of a run.
“I was feeling really confident through that stretch and then lipped out on the last so it could have been even better, but I am very happy with 6-under.”
Today’s performance also signals a turnaround in form with the flat stick for Felton, just in time for the last three events of the year on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.
“I only missed one green today, so I gave myself a lot of chances. They paid off at the end of the day; I made some nice putts. My putting has been horrific lately, so it’s nice to see it turn around,” added Felton, who rolled in a 40-foot birdie putt on the par-5 15th.
“The greens are rolling so good that you feel like you should be holing 30 footers but they are soft as well so you can go at the flags.
“The course is softer this year, so you have a lot longer shots in, but I don’t think that makes much of a difference.
“I like this layout, its open off the tee but you still need to take the right lines.”
Sitting just one shot further back on 5-under the card is recent Victorian PGA Champion Aaron Pike who arrived at the course only 10 minutes before his 7.15am tee time after a mix up with his alarm.
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“I had a bit of a rough start today. Jack Munro who I am staying with slept through his alarm and my phone software updated overnight, and my alarm turned itself off. So I only got here with 10 minutes to spare, it wasn’t the greatest preparation, it wasn’t a good look,” said Pike.
“But we got here in time, I am not sure how Jack went, but I was feeling good and playing nice. I got to hit a few balls to warm up. I am going to buy an alarm tonight!”
Also shooting 5-under 67 in the opening round was Jake Higginbottom, Ashley Hall, Jordan Mullaney and Blake Proverbs.
The afternoon field is now on course.