Adam Scott and Graeme McDowell have made solid starts to the Talisker Masters at Kingston Heath on Thursday, with Kalem Richardson setting the early pace. Richardson leads the way at four under thanks to an eagle, three birdies and a bogey through 10 holes, with Rohan Blizard a shot back in outright second thanks to four birdies and a bogey in 11 holes. Jason Norris, Ryan Haller and Riki Batibasaga share third place at two under while Scott and McDowell are among those tied for sixth on minus one nearing the halfway point of their rounds, along with Stephen Leaney. Playing alongside Scott and McDowell, Oliver Goss remains square with the card alongside fellow amateurs Nathan Holman and Cameron Smith as well as veteran local Craig Parry. Parry&aposs playing partners Peter Senior and Robert Allenby are one and two shots further back respectively, Senior along with the other members of Leaney&aposs group, Alistair Presnell and Peter O&aposMalley. Of those in action during the afternoon, most eyes will be on the marquee threesome of Englishman Ian Poulter and Australian duo Stuart Appleby and Richard Green, who are all previous winners of the event. The trio tee off from the first at 12.10pm (AEDT), while New Zealanders Mark Brown and Michael Hendry have been drawn together and are another afternoon group to watch. The morning groups have enjoyed friendly conditions so far on Thursday, with temperatures in the mid-teens on the way to an expected top of 18 degrees but showers are forecast for later in the day.
Author: Omnisport