Johnson birdie blitz

Big-hitting American Dustin Johnson has gone on a birdie blitz to take a one-shot lead early on day one of the Emirates Australian Open at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney. The world No.5 opened his round with a bogey at the par four 10th but has bounced back with four consecutive birdies beginning at the par four 12th to be three under through six holes. Playing partner Bill Haas and countryman Bubba Watson are among five players a shot back at minus two after overcast conditions and light rain greeted the morning groups. Veteran Australian Rod Pampling, Jarrod Lyle and Ashley Hall are the other men at two-under par early in their opening rounds. Defending champion Geoff Ogilvy is one under through six holes after starting his title defence at the 10th at 7.15am local time. Two-time champion Aaron Baddeley is also at minus one alongside United States Presidents captain Fred Couples and his assistant John Cook. New Zealander Michael Campbell has also made a promising start to be in the red through six holes alongside Novocastrian James Nitties. Five-time Stonehaven Cup winner Greg Norman is among 21 players at level par after mixing two bogeys and two birdies in his first five holes, while in-form veteran Peter Senior is also even with the card. Thunderstorms and rainy conditions are expected to greet the afternoon groups. Tournament favourite Adam Scott, John Senden and Matt Kuchar will tee off at 12pm ahead of former world No.1 Tiger Woods, Jason Day and Robert Allenby. Stuart Appleby and Americans Nick Watney and Kyle Stanley will play behind Woods&apos group from the first tee at 12.20pm.