The Australian PGA Championship, the opening event of the DP World Tour's 2025 season, was Friday shortened to 54 holes when the Royal Queensland Golf Club flooded after torrential rain in Brisbane. PGA Tour of Australasia officials made the announcement after more than five hours of delays to the second round.&nbsp;

There will still be a 36-hole cut made and play is scheduled to resume on Saturday. Australian Elvis Smylie was the overnight leader after an opening-round 65.

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Star draws Cameron Smith and Jason Day are two shots adrift in a large group at four-under-par.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Australian PGA Championship, the opening event of the DP World Tour's 2025 season, was Friday shortened to 54 holes when the Royal Queensland Golf Club flooded after torrential rain in Brisbane.

The Australian PGA Championship, the opening event of the DP World Tour's 2025 season, was Friday shortened to 54 holes when the Royal Queensland Golf Club flooded after torrential rain in Brisbane. PGA Tour of Australasia officials made the announcement after more than five hours of delays to the second round. There will still be a 36-hole cut made and play is scheduled to resume on Saturday. Australian Elvis Smylie was the overnight leader after an opening-round 65. Also read: Pep Guardiola says 'I could not leave now' as he signs new deal with Premier League champions Manchester City Star draws Cameron Smith and Jason Day are two shots adrift in a large group at four-under-par. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Golf: Australian PGA Championship reduced to 54 holes after washout

Japan's Rikuya Hoshino fired a flawless 65 Saturday for a share of the lead with Min Woo Lee at the Australian Open, while South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai moved into prime position to defend her women's title. Six-time Japan Tour winner Hoshino hit four birdies and an eagle to reel in Australian overnight leader Lee in his bid for a maiden DP World Tour win. Lee began the day in Sydney with a three-stroke lead from Scotland's Connor Syme and American Patrick Rodgers, but struggled with his putter to card a one-under-par 70, holing a pressure birdie at the last.&nbsp;

It set up a re-run of last week's Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane, when Lee took a three-shot lead over playing partner Hoshino into the final day and hung on to win his third DP World Tour title. "It's one of those days and hopefully I can get it going tomorrow," said Lee. "Today was a bit of a grind, I didn't feel like I had it all there, but still did some good stuff."

Lee opened with a birdie and it looked like he might run away with the lead. But he found the water at the third to card a double-bogey and another bogey at the 10th coupled with Hoshino's eagle at the 14th put them level at 12-under-par for the tournament.

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A birdie for Hoshino at the 18th edged him in front before Lee responded. "This is the first time I've come to Australia and I am enjoying the atmosphere and the tournament. So that's why I think I'm playing well," said Hoshino.

"I'm going to use many experiences winning in Japan, and my goal this year is to win a DP World Tour event, so I'm going to try my best." England's Alex Fitzpatrick -- the younger brother of 2022 US Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick -- surged into contention with a 66 to be one behind them,&nbsp;alongside Rodgers.

<h2>'Super special'&nbsp;</h2>

The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club is the main venue across all four days, while the nearby Lakes Golf Club co-hosted play during the first two rounds.

Defending champion Buhai, the 2022 British Open winner, opened her account with four straight birdies, sinking one from the bunker to surge into a lead that she never relinquished. She kept her focus for a bogey-free 67 to be 12-under for the title, leading South Korean veteran Shin Jiyai, herself a two-time British Open champion, by three shots.

"It would be super special (to win again)," said Buhai. "I've heard it's going to be windy (on Sunday) which suits me. I think patience is going to be key."&nbsp;Australia's world number five and two-time major winner Minjee Lee -- sister of Min Woo Lee -- is third, seven behind Buhai.

Japan's Rikuya Hoshino fired a flawless 65 Saturday for a share of the lead with Min Woo Lee at the Australian Open, while South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai moved into prime position to defend her women's title.

Japan's Rikuya Hoshino fired a flawless 65 Saturday for a share of the lead with Min Woo Lee at the Australian Open, while South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai moved into prime position to defend her women's title. Six-time Japan Tour winner Hoshino hit four birdies and an eagle to reel in Australian overnight leader Lee in his bid for a maiden DP World Tour win. Lee began the day in Sydney with a three-stroke lead from Scotland's Connor Syme and American Patrick Rodgers, but struggled with his putter to card a one-under-par 70, holing a pressure birdie at the last. It set up a re-run of last week's Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane, when Lee took a three-shot lead over playing partner Hoshino into the final day and hung on to win his third DP World Tour title. "It's one of those days and hopefully I can get it going tomorrow," said Lee. "Today was a bit of a grind, I didn't feel like I had it all there, but still did some good stuff." Lee opened with a birdie and it looked like he might run away with the lead. But he found the water at the third to card a double-bogey and another bogey at the 10th coupled with Hoshino's eagle at the 14th put them level at 12-under-par for the tournament. Also Read: Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top A birdie for Hoshino at the 18th edged him in front before Lee responded. "This is the first time I've come to Australia and I am enjoying the atmosphere and the tournament. So that's why I think I'm playing well," said Hoshino. "I'm going to use many experiences winning in Japan, and my goal this year is to win a DP World Tour event, so I'm going to try my best." England's Alex Fitzpatrick -- the younger brother of 2022 US Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick -- surged into contention with a 66 to be one behind them, alongside Rodgers. 'Super special' The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club is the main venue across all four days, while the nearby Lakes Golf Club co-hosted play during the first two rounds. Defending champion Buhai, the 2022 British Open winner, opened her account with four straight birdies, sinking one from the bunker to surge into a lead that she never relinquished. She kept her focus for a bogey-free 67 to be 12-under for the title, leading South Korean veteran Shin Jiyai, herself a two-time British Open champion, by three shots. "It would be super special (to win again)," said Buhai. "I've heard it's going to be windy (on Sunday) which suits me. I think patience is going to be key." Australia's world number five and two-time major winner Minjee Lee -- sister of Min Woo Lee -- is third, seven behind Buhai.

Rikuya Hoshino, Min Woo Lee tied for lead at Australian Open

Min Woo Lee sunk an eagle at the 18th to surge into the sole lead at the Australian Open on Friday as he targets back-to-back DP World Tour titles, while&nbsp;major winner Shin Jiyai took charge of the women's event.&nbsp;

Australia's hottest new golf star recovered from a bogey at the first to make six birdies before finishing with a bang on his way to a seven-under-par 64 to be 12-under at the halfway stage in Sydney.

"It's always nice to make an eagle, but on the last hole, it's even nicer,"&nbsp;said Lee, who convincingly won the Australian PGA Championship last week, following victory at the Macau Open on the Asian Tour. "Sometimes you play good and sometimes you play bad, and right now I'm playing good and I'm having fun."

Fellow Australian Cameron Smith was also celebrating after finding his touch again with a 68 to make the cut by two shots, having missed it by nine last weekend in Brisbane, after which he was close to tears. But the 2022 British Open champion has a mountain to climb to reel in the red-hot Lee.

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"It was a lot better today and could have been way less," said Smith after partnering Lee in front of big crowds. "I did everything I needed to do except hole the putts, which is really frustrating." &nbsp;Scotland's Connor Syme thrust himself into contention for a maiden DP World Tour win with a two-under 70 to be joint second on nine-under along with the American Patrick Rodgers, who also hit 70.&nbsp;

Smith's LIV Golf colleague Joaquin Niemann from Chile, Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas, and Australian Sam Brazel are eight-under.

<h2>&nbsp;Nice finish&nbsp;</h2>

The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club is the main venue across all four days, with the nearby Lakes Golf Club co-hosting play for the first two rounds.

In perfect summer weather, South Korea's two-time major win Shin assumed control of the women's tournament with three birdies in the final five holes leaving her nine-under for the tournament. South African defending champion Ashleigh Buhai is her nearest challenger on seven-under, with South Korea's Jenny Shin six-under.

"Very nice finish, especially the back nine," said Buhai. "Anytime you're in there near the top going into the weekend, you're playing some good golf and doing what I'd like to be doing." Australian 16-year-old Rachel Lee, the shock joint overnight leader with Jenny Shin, struggled in the spotlight with three bogeys and two double bogeys on the back nine contributing to a 79. It left her tied for 19th. Australia's world number five Minjee Lee -- sister of men's leader Min Woo Lee -- had a day to forget with a 75 leaving her in a tie of 11th at even par.

Min Woo Lee sunk an eagle at the 18th to surge into the sole lead at the Australian Open on Friday as he targets back-to-back DP World Tour titles, while major winner Shin Jiyai took charge of the women's event.

Min Woo Lee sunk an eagle at the 18th to surge into the sole lead at the Australian Open on Friday as he targets back-to-back DP World Tour titles, while major winner Shin Jiyai took charge of the women's event. Australia's hottest new golf star recovered from a bogey at the first to make six birdies before finishing with a bang on his way to a seven-under-par 64 to be 12-under at the halfway stage in Sydney. "It's always nice to make an eagle, but on the last hole, it's even nicer," said Lee, who convincingly won the Australian PGA Championship last week, following victory at the Macau Open on the Asian Tour. "Sometimes you play good and sometimes you play bad, and right now I'm playing good and I'm having fun." Fellow Australian Cameron Smith was also celebrating after finding his touch again with a 68 to make the cut by two shots, having missed it by nine last weekend in Brisbane, after which he was close to tears. But the 2022 British Open champion has a mountain to climb to reel in the red-hot Lee. Also Read: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz shines in Mexico City as fans get glimpse of world class tennis "It was a lot better today and could have been way less," said Smith after partnering Lee in front of big crowds. "I did everything I needed to do except hole the putts, which is really frustrating." Scotland's Connor Syme thrust himself into contention for a maiden DP World Tour win with a two-under 70 to be joint second on nine-under along with the American Patrick Rodgers, who also hit 70. Smith's LIV Golf colleague Joaquin Niemann from Chile, Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas, and Australian Sam Brazel are eight-under. Nice finish The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses. The Jack Nicklaus-designed Australian Golf Club is the main venue across all four days, with the nearby Lakes Golf Club co-hosting play for the first two rounds. In perfect summer weather, South Korea's two-time major win Shin assumed control of the women's tournament with three birdies in the final five holes leaving her nine-under for the tournament. South African defending champion Ashleigh Buhai is her nearest challenger on seven-under, with South Korea's Jenny Shin six-under. "Very nice finish, especially the back nine," said Buhai. "Anytime you're in there near the top going into the weekend, you're playing some good golf and doing what I'd like to be doing." Australian 16-year-old Rachel Lee, the shock joint overnight leader with Jenny Shin, struggled in the spotlight with three bogeys and two double bogeys on the back nine contributing to a 79. It left her tied for 19th. Australia's world number five Minjee Lee -- sister of men's leader Min Woo Lee -- had a day to forget with a 75 leaving her in a tie of 11th at even par.

Golf: Min Woo Lee leads at Australian Open, sets eyes on successive DP World Tour titles

Twice major winner Minjee&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;and her in-form brother Min Woo are targeting a unique&nbsp;sweep&nbsp;of the&nbsp;dual&nbsp;gender&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in Sydney this week while Cameron Smith will&nbsp;look&nbsp;to bounce back from his horror show in Brisbane. Days after Minjee won a record third Greg Norman medal as Australia's top golfer, Min Woo cruised to a three-stroke victory at the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;PGA Championship on Sunday to the delight of packed galleries at Royal Queensland.

His first big, home victory came just over a month after the&nbsp;Lees became the first&nbsp;siblings&nbsp;to win events in successive weeks on major international tours, with Minjee claiming the BMW Ladies Championship and Min Woo the Macau&nbsp;Open. The mixed format of the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;- which has separate men's and women's trophies - will have the&nbsp;siblings&nbsp;competing apart but in close proximity across two courses, The&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;and The Lakes.

Min Woo, the more extroverted of the Western&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;duo, said he hoped both could hoist trophies in the same week. "It would be pretty crazy. We've won back-to-back weeks, but on the same week would be something else," the 25-year-old told reporters.

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Though boasting three European Tour titles among his four professional wins, Min Woo has some catching up to do to match his sister. The 27-year-old world number five has 10 LPGA Tour titles and top-three finishes at all five of the women's majors.

The&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;has proved elusive, though, despite playing every one since the age of 14. "As an&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;you always want to win your national&nbsp;Open&nbsp;and it’s always been high on my list to win," she said. "I put the most pressure on myself here, I really want to do well so it's subconscious pressure."

TON OF BIRDIES

Former British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;winner Smith can only sympathise. The 30-year-old was in tears last week after missing the cut in his&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;PGA Championship title defence, the event he won three times in front of friends and family.

He said his meltdown at Royal Queensland had dented his confidence but he had worked hard with coach Grant Field for four days to iron out a technical issue with his swing. "I wouldn’t say my confidence is at 100%, but like I said, there’s no reason I can’t go out there and be competitive," he said.

"It only takes a few good shots and a few good feels and all of a sudden you’re&nbsp;looking at yourself at the top of the leaderboard." Former world number one Adam Scott is another with something to prove, having challenged&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;in the first half of the PGA Championship before fading over the weekend to finish sixth.

Scott won the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in 2009 but has endured plenty of frustration since at the country's most prestigious event. He held a one-stroke lead when he teed off in the final round at Melbourne's Victoria Golf Club last year but duly crashed to hand Poland's Adrian Meronk a five-stroke win.

Without a win in nearly four years, the 43-year-old has committed to a higher-risk, attacking game to try to break the drought. "You have to accept some bad results because you're going for it, and if you're not on then you're going to have a bad score," he said. "But you're&nbsp;looking for those five or six weeks a year where you go for it and you're on and you make a ton of birdies and you get the big results."

Twice major winner Minjee Lee and her in-form brother Min Woo are targeting a unique sweep of the dual gender Australian Open in Sydney this week while Cameron Smith will look to bounce back from his horror show in Brisbane.

Twice major winner Minjee Lee and her in-form brother Min Woo are targeting a unique sweep of the dual gender Australian Open in Sydney this week while Cameron Smith will look to bounce back from his horror show in Brisbane. Days after Minjee won a record third Greg Norman medal as Australia's top golfer, Min Woo cruised to a three-stroke victory at the Australian PGA Championship on Sunday to the delight of packed galleries at Royal Queensland. His first big, home victory came just over a month after the Lees became the first siblings to win events in successive weeks on major international tours, with Minjee claiming the BMW Ladies Championship and Min Woo the Macau Open. The mixed format of the Australian Open - which has separate men's and women's trophies - will have the siblings competing apart but in close proximity across two courses, The Australian and The Lakes. Min Woo, the more extroverted of the Western Australian duo, said he hoped both could hoist trophies in the same week. "It would be pretty crazy. We've won back-to-back weeks, but on the same week would be something else," the 25-year-old told reporters. Also Read: NBA: Mark Cuban sells majority stake of Dallas Mavericks to Casino tycoon Miriam Adelson Though boasting three European Tour titles among his four professional wins, Min Woo has some catching up to do to match his sister. The 27-year-old world number five has 10 LPGA Tour titles and top-three finishes at all five of the women's majors. The Australian Open has proved elusive, though, despite playing every one since the age of 14. "As an Australian you always want to win your national Open and it’s always been high on my list to win," she said. "I put the most pressure on myself here, I really want to do well so it's subconscious pressure." TON OF BIRDIES Former British Open winner Smith can only sympathise. The 30-year-old was in tears last week after missing the cut in his Australian PGA Championship title defence, the event he won three times in front of friends and family. He said his meltdown at Royal Queensland had dented his confidence but he had worked hard with coach Grant Field for four days to iron out a technical issue with his swing. "I wouldn’t say my confidence is at 100%, but like I said, there’s no reason I can’t go out there and be competitive," he said. "It only takes a few good shots and a few good feels and all of a sudden you’re looking at yourself at the top of the leaderboard." Former world number one Adam Scott is another with something to prove, having challenged Lee in the first half of the PGA Championship before fading over the weekend to finish sixth. Scott won the Australian Open in 2009 but has endured plenty of frustration since at the country's most prestigious event. He held a one-stroke lead when he teed off in the final round at Melbourne's Victoria Golf Club last year but duly crashed to hand Poland's Adrian Meronk a five-stroke win. Without a win in nearly four years, the 43-year-old has committed to a higher-risk, attacking game to try to break the drought. "You have to accept some bad results because you're going for it, and if you're not on then you're going to have a bad score," he said. "But you're looking for those five or six weeks a year where you go for it and you're on and you make a ton of birdies and you get the big results."

Two-time major winner Minjee Lee and her brother Min Woo target unique sweep of dual gender at Aus Open

It has been nearly four years since Adam Scott tasted victory, leaving the former world number one desperate to break the drought at this week's Australian PGA Championship. Scott has played solid golf since his last win at the Genesis Invitational in California in 2020, and finished tied for fifth at this month's Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

However, the 43-year-old's near-misses have generated frustration as well as encouragement. "It’s nice to play well … (but) I obviously haven’t found it that easy to win over the last couple of years,” Australia's first and only Masters winner told reporters on Wednesday.

"I played well in Bermuda but it’s not a win, and it’s hard to fake that confidence of closing out a tournament, and beating the entire field." Scott is among the headliners at Royal Queensland this week, just shaded by compatriot Cameron Smith, the defending champion and British Open winner, for pulling power.

Scott won the first of his two Australian PGA Championship trophies 10 years ago in his prime and the second in 2019. Less than two months after winning the 2019 event, he broke a four-year victory drought on the U.S. PGA Tour by claiming the Genesis Invitational.

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Naturally, Scott will hope his home event can be the circuit-breaker again. "I feel like I’ve got all the game to win more. I’m healthy still and at 43 moving well. "If I were to win this week or next week (at the Australian Open) it could be a springboard."

Scott and Smith ended up on opposing sides of the golfing schism wrought by LIV Golf, the former being the president of the U.S. tour's players' advisory council and the latter a staunch member of the Saudi-backed breakaway series.

The rival circuits, along with the European DP World Tour, announced plans in June to merge and end the sport's bitter divide.

The merger is supposed to be ratified by the end of the year but an ongoing U.S. Justice Department probe into anti-trust issues has raised concerns the deal may be delayed.

Scott said it was "really hard" to know if the tie-up would go through."There’s four or five other interested parties in investing in the PGA Tour like PIF," he added, referring to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. "So management have a lot of work to do to get some final deals on the table."

It has been nearly four years since Adam Scott tasted victory, leaving the former world number one desperate to break the drought at this week's Australian PGA Championship.

It has been nearly four years since Adam Scott tasted victory, leaving the former world number one desperate to break the drought at this week's Australian PGA Championship. Scott has played solid golf since his last win at the Genesis Invitational in California in 2020, and finished tied for fifth at this month's Butterfield Bermuda Championship. However, the 43-year-old's near-misses have generated frustration as well as encouragement. "It’s nice to play well … (but) I obviously haven’t found it that easy to win over the last couple of years,” Australia's first and only Masters winner told reporters on Wednesday. "I played well in Bermuda but it’s not a win, and it’s hard to fake that confidence of closing out a tournament, and beating the entire field." Scott is among the headliners at Royal Queensland this week, just shaded by compatriot Cameron Smith, the defending champion and British Open winner, for pulling power. Scott won the first of his two Australian PGA Championship trophies 10 years ago in his prime and the second in 2019. Less than two months after winning the 2019 event, he broke a four-year victory drought on the U.S. PGA Tour by claiming the Genesis Invitational. Also Read: Zimbabwe in danger of missing out from T20 World Cup next year after losing to Uganda Naturally, Scott will hope his home event can be the circuit-breaker again. "I feel like I’ve got all the game to win more. I’m healthy still and at 43 moving well. "If I were to win this week or next week (at the Australian Open) it could be a springboard." Scott and Smith ended up on opposing sides of the golfing schism wrought by LIV Golf, the former being the president of the U.S. tour's players' advisory council and the latter a staunch member of the Saudi-backed breakaway series. The rival circuits, along with the European DP World Tour, announced plans in June to merge and end the sport's bitter divide. The merger is supposed to be ratified by the end of the year but an ongoing U.S. Justice Department probe into anti-trust issues has raised concerns the deal may be delayed. Scott said it was "really hard" to know if the tie-up would go through."There’s four or five other interested parties in investing in the PGA Tour like PIF," he added, referring to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. "So management have a lot of work to do to get some final deals on the table."

Former number one Adam Scott desperate to break drought at Australian PGA Championship

Spaniard Joel Moscatel Nachshon fired a remarkable eight-under-par 63 on his DP World Tour debut Thursday to lead the Australian PGA Championship, but defending champion Cameron Smith had a round to forget. In front of big galleries at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, the 25-year-old equalled the course record to take a one-shot lead after the first round from Australian rising star Min Woo Lee.

Ranked 1,162 in the world, Nachshon fired eight birdies, including five in a row, at the opening event of the European circuit's 2024 season. "I just got into the rhythm," said Nachshon, who was playing at the tour's qualifying school in Spain a week ago. "But tomorrow is a new day, I just have to do my work and try to enjoy it as much as possible."

Lee was the early clubhouse leader after eight birdies and one bogey in his 64. "I felt like I didn't leave much out there and it was a very solid round," said Lee, who has secured 2024 playing rights on the US PGA Tour.&nbsp;

"I putted and chipped really nicely, and then drove it really good." Australia's John Lyras is a stroke behind Lee and one clear of a chasing pack including former Masters champion Adam Scott, Scotland's Connor Syme and Japan's Ryo Hisatsune.

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But major-winner Smith, now playing on the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out of sorts and has a mountain to climb to repeat his exploits of last year when he won by three shots.

He bogeyed the par-four 10th, his opening hole, and never recovered to card a two-over 73. "It was frustrating, upsetting," said the former world number two, who has dominated the event in recent years, winning in 2017, 2018 and 2022.&nbsp;

"I really couldn't get anything going." With world-ranking points at stake, the tournament has attracted a number of overseas players as they seek a top-50 year-end finish to secure a place at next year's US Masters. Scottish Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre, who finished tied 12th on debut at the Masters in 2021 and is currently ranked 56, shot a 69 in his bid to make the grade, while Poland's Adrian Meronk, ranked 48, carded a 68.

Spaniard Joel Moscatel Nachshon fired a remarkable eight-under-par 63 on his DP World Tour debut Thursday to lead the Australian PGA Championship, but defending champion Cameron Smith had a round to forget.

Spaniard Joel Moscatel Nachshon fired a remarkable eight-under-par 63 on his DP World Tour debut Thursday to lead the Australian PGA Championship, but defending champion Cameron Smith had a round to forget. In front of big galleries at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, the 25-year-old equalled the course record to take a one-shot lead after the first round from Australian rising star Min Woo Lee. Ranked 1,162 in the world, Nachshon fired eight birdies, including five in a row, at the opening event of the European circuit's 2024 season. "I just got into the rhythm," said Nachshon, who was playing at the tour's qualifying school in Spain a week ago. "But tomorrow is a new day, I just have to do my work and try to enjoy it as much as possible." Lee was the early clubhouse leader after eight birdies and one bogey in his 64. "I felt like I didn't leave much out there and it was a very solid round," said Lee, who has secured 2024 playing rights on the US PGA Tour. "I putted and chipped really nicely, and then drove it really good." Australia's John Lyras is a stroke behind Lee and one clear of a chasing pack including former Masters champion Adam Scott, Scotland's Connor Syme and Japan's Ryo Hisatsune. Also Read: Lamar Jackson's SAVAGE response to wide receiver Zay Flowers’s touchdown celebration goes viral - Watch But major-winner Smith, now playing on the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out of sorts and has a mountain to climb to repeat his exploits of last year when he won by three shots. He bogeyed the par-four 10th, his opening hole, and never recovered to card a two-over 73. "It was frustrating, upsetting," said the former world number two, who has dominated the event in recent years, winning in 2017, 2018 and 2022. "I really couldn't get anything going." With world-ranking points at stake, the tournament has attracted a number of overseas players as they seek a top-50 year-end finish to secure a place at next year's US Masters. Scottish Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre, who finished tied 12th on debut at the Masters in 2021 and is currently ranked 56, shot a 69 in his bid to make the grade, while Poland's Adrian Meronk, ranked 48, carded a 68.

Golf: Joel Moscatel Nachshon leads Australian PGA Championship

A dawn scramble to find his clubs had Adam Scott at "panic stations" ahead of his early tee time for the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship but the former world number one shook off the drama to make a bright start at Royal Queensland.

The search for the clubs, eventually found in Scott's manager's room, was a minor hiccup in the Australian's reunion with former caddie Steve Williams on Thursday.

Things otherwise proceeded smoothly for the pair as Scott shot a 66 for the early clubhouse lead before finishing the day in a group tied for fourth at five-under, a stroke behind local co-leaders Min Woo Lee, Jason Scrivener and John Lyras

"It was panic stations ... Steve was kicking doors down," Scott joked of the frantic search for his bag.

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Despite the 6 a.m. tee time, a big crowd had already assembled at the 10th hole at Royal Queensland where 2013 Masters winner Scott started his round.

Most were there to see his playing partner Cameron Smith, however, on the British Open champion's long-awaited return to his home state Queensland.

After a busy lead-up of fan, media and sponsor engagements, headline act Smith started slowly but finished with three birdies in his last four holes to card a 68 and lie three shots behind the leaders.

A tired Smith said his brain was a little "foggy" as he made the turn without a birdie and he hoped home fans would not expect him to win the A$2 million ($1.35 million) event co-sanctioned by Europe's DP World Tour.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-ronaldo-to-join-messi-in-illustrious-list-in-portugals-opening-tie-vs-ghana-537070">FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo to join Messi in illustrious list in Portugal's opening tie vs Ghana</a>

"I mean, for sure I’m here to try and play my best golf but sometimes you play your best golf and finish 20th," he said.

"I went out there, did what I had to do."

Min Woo Lee, the brother of twice major-winning women's golfer Minjee Lee, enjoyed an "awesome" day as he rolled in some monster putts to rack up seven birdies in his round of 65.

A dawn scramble to find his clubs had Adam Scott at "panic stations" ahead of his early tee time for the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship but the former world number one shook off the drama to make a bright start at Royal Queensland.

A dawn scramble to find his clubs had Adam Scott at "panic stations" ahead of his early tee time for the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship but the former world number one shook off the drama to make a bright start at Royal Queensland. The search for the clubs, eventually found in Scott's manager's room, was a minor hiccup in the Australian's reunion with former caddie Steve Williams on Thursday. Things otherwise proceeded smoothly for the pair as Scott shot a 66 for the early clubhouse lead before finishing the day in a group tied for fourth at five-under, a stroke behind local co-leaders Min Woo Lee, Jason Scrivener and John Lyras "It was panic stations ... Steve was kicking doors down," Scott joked of the frantic search for his bag. Also Read: Qatar World Cup: FIFA opens proceedings against Mexican FA, Ecuador fans over controversial chants Despite the 6 a.m. tee time, a big crowd had already assembled at the 10th hole at Royal Queensland where 2013 Masters winner Scott started his round. Most were there to see his playing partner Cameron Smith, however, on the British Open champion's long-awaited return to his home state Queensland. After a busy lead-up of fan, media and sponsor engagements, headline act Smith started slowly but finished with three birdies in his last four holes to card a 68 and lie three shots behind the leaders. A tired Smith said his brain was a little "foggy" as he made the turn without a birdie and he hoped home fans would not expect him to win the A$2 million ($1.35 million) event co-sanctioned by Europe's DP World Tour. Also Read: FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo to join Messi in illustrious list in Portugal's opening tie vs Ghana "I mean, for sure I’m here to try and play my best golf but sometimes you play your best golf and finish 20th," he said. "I went out there, did what I had to do." Min Woo Lee, the brother of twice major-winning women's golfer Minjee Lee, enjoyed an "awesome" day as he rolled in some monster putts to rack up seven birdies in his round of 65.

Adam Scott recovers from 'panic stations' to make bright start at Australian PGA

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