Richard Green in action during the opening round – image USGA
Australian Richard Green shares the opening round lead at the US Senior Open on Rhode Island, his opening round of 63 having he and Japan’s Hiroyuki Fujita one ahead of American Billy Andrade.
Green, who played in the morning field on day one, birdied his opening two holes and never looked back adding five further birdies including one at the last to join Fujita who had teed off an hour earlier.
“Started off very nicely,” said Green. “You know, I felt the preparation this week has been set up really well to play on this golf course. Felt pretty comfortable in my preparation and practice rounds.
“Today’s round, you know, proved itself. Hit the ball very, very well. A lot of work has been put in and it’s just nice to see to come to fruition.
“It was beautiful conditions. Couldn’t have asked for a better morning to play golf. It’s probably what’s going to be one of my favorite golf courses I’ll ever play. It just suits my eye.
“I really enjoy hitting good golf shots around it. Obviously conditions this afternoon are a little bit more windy. More than likely it will even itself out after a couple days and we’ll get our share of it tomorrow.”
Green enthused over his opening effort suggesting it was one of the better rounds of his career.
“Yeah, one of the best I’ve had really. I’ve had lower scores in my time, but from a feeling of how I feel on this golf course and the way I prepared and practiced and got my game into this shape, as good a round as I’ve ever had. Can’t ask for more.”
Earlier this year Green finished runner-up at the Senior PGA Championship and finished 7th in this event last year.
The next best of the eight Australians in the field was Mathew Goggin who was debuting in a PGA Tour Champions event.
Goggin who lead the qualifiers at his qualifying venue after also recording a round of 63 at his venue, impressed with five birdies and a bogey for his round of 66 to be in a share of 5th place.
“I hit the ball really nicely today,” said the Tasmanian who has focused much of his recent attention on the development of a new golf course in his home state. “I drove the ball well and got a bit of confidence early and smashed a few tee shots, and that sort of helped.
And then knocked it on 16 for 2 and then 1 for 2 and drove the 2nd green. It’s not often you get to three eagle putts in five holes at a U.S. Open. So that was just a bonus.”
Stuart Appleby and Rod Pampling opened with round of 67 to be tied for 15th, Michael Wright had 68 and Cameron Percy 70.
