Date: March 07, 2008
Author:

Senden, Appleby start well

Australians John Senden and Stuart Appleby made fast starts before rain and bad light halted play at the PODS Championship in Florida on Friday. Senden and Appleby were both four-under-par after 14 and 11 holes of their respective opening rounds when play was abandoned. They called it a day two shots adrift of outright clubhouse leader Bart Bryant. American Bryant, one of the lucky ones who missed the rain courtesy of an early start, managed a six-under-par 65 to be one shot clear of countrymen Kenny Perry, Stewart Cink and Jeff Maggert. After four Australians found themselves in the top 10 at last weekend&aposs Honda Open, the strong contingent made an impact yet again. Peter Lonard managed to get through 18 holes in two-under the card, the same score Rod Pampling and Nick Flanagan were when they were ushered off the course after 12 holes. Robert Allenby, Nathan Green and Matt Jones are all one-under-par, with only Allenby able to complete his round. Of the others, Ernie Els finished his day with a birdie at No.11 to return to even par. John Daly was three-over through 10 holes but still managed to enjoy himself. After ducking into a Hooters hospitality tent during the rain delay, Daly emerged with Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden as his caddie for the rest of the afternoon. It didn&apost help much, as Daly three-putted from the front of the 18th green for another bogey.