Aussie battler Percy fires in PGA event

Cameron Percy is just one shot from the clubhouse lead after his opening round of seven-under-par 65 in the PGA event in Jackson.

By Australian Associated Press
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Cameron Percy is just one shot off the clubhouse lead after firing an opening round seven-under-par 65 in the Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson on Thursday.

The 45-year-old Australian, who has never won on the PGA Tour, made eight birdies to go with a lone bogey to finish one behind American Tom Hoge.

With five birdies on the opening nine, including three in his first three holes, the world No.381 was on track to match his career-low PGA round of 62.

But a lone bogey on the back nine halted his progress before he regrouped with consecutive birdies on 17 and 18 to finish strong.

Percy hit 11 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens in regulation before thunderstorms caused a lengthy delay in play.

Joining the Victorian in the chasing pack is American Robert Streb and Irishman Seamus Power.

Three behind them is Australian Cameron Davis.

The New South Welshman recovered from back-to-back bogeys to claw his way to joint 11th.

Rhein Gibson is the next best-placed Australian with his two-under-par 70 securing him a tie for 33rd, although a large number of the field is yet to start because of the weather delay.

But there was no stopping the 30-year-old Hoge, who is winless in 134 career starts on the PGA Tour and went through the Korn Ferry Tour Finals last month to get his PGA Tour card back.

A runner-up last week at the Greenbrier, he opened with three straight birdies and closed with a 45-foot birdie putt to record his career-best finish with his eight-under score.

"Nice way to end for sure," Hoge said.

Two years ago, he tied for seventh in Las Vegas and then played in the final group and finished third in Honolulu. That was the one year he kept his card.

"(It) just frees up the rest of the year," he said.


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