Jarryd Felton, Cameron John lead NSW Open

West Australian Jarryd Felton and Victorian Cameron John are atop the leaderboard after the first round of the NSW Open at Twin Creeks

By Australian Associated Press
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West Australian Jarryd Felton and Victorian Cameron John have set the early pace at the NSW Open, but hold just a one-shot lead over nine players.

Playing in the morning field, Felton fired a six-under 66 at the Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club on Thursday to continue a strong showing in a tournament where he tied for sixth last year.

"I don't normally make that many birdies, but I made them today so hopefully I can keep it going over the next three days," said Felton.

"I had four birdies in a row. I birdied probably one of the hardest holes today, the par-3 14th and then got on a bit of a run.

"I only missed one green today so I gave myself a lot of chances. My putting has been horrific lately so it's nice to see it turn around," he said Felton, who rolled in a 40 foot birdie putt on the par-5 15th.

Rookie pro John, 19, rolled in a birdie putt on the 18th to join Felton atop the leaderboard after playing through the pain of a bulging disc.

"The putter was pretty much on fire today. I have been feeling good about my game but I was struggling on Monday, I wasn't sure if I was going to play,"he said.

"Given my spot on the Order of Merit, I need to play everything, so I have played my fifth week in a row while injured.

"I want to go to Asian Tour School at the end of the year so it is a big advantage to be top-50, I am currently 42nd, so it's important to play well."

Victorian PGA Champion Aaron Pike, who arrived at the course just 10 minutes before his 7.15am tee time due to a mix up with his alarm, fired five-under the card to be one of nine players clustered in third.

"I had a bit of a rough start today. My phone software updated overnight and my alarm turned itself off. So I only got here with 10 minutes to spare, it wasn't the greatest preparation, it wasn't a good look," he said.

"I got to hit a few balls to warm up and I'm going to buy an alarm tonight."


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