Griffin seizes the Australian Open lead

Despite a heavy heart, rising Victorian golfer Matthew Griffin seized the clubhouse
lead with a flawless opening round at the Australian Open at The Lakes on Thursday.
Griffin, whose long-time caddie Peter Beck died suddenly little more than a month
ago, collected seven birdies in a seven-under-par 65 in unexpectedly good scoring
conditions after Wednesday's deluge in Sydney.
The 27-year-old was one stroke clear of Alistair Presnell, with Australian Masters
champion Stuart Appleby, Marc Leishman and Rod Pampling a further shot behind after
each returning 67s.
American John Daly was in a share of sixth place after most of the morning starters
had completed their opening rounds.
But five-time champion Greg Norman could miss the halfway cut after leaking five
shots in his final five holes in carding a two-over 74.
The 55-year-old Norman made a promising enough start, producing one of the shots of
the day to set up birdie at the tough par-5 14th hole.
From out of the sand and with an awkward stance, The Shark drilled a "rescue" club
some 200 metres over the water and two-putted for birdie, his daring play on a hole
where he once dunked three shots in the drink for an 11 even drawing applause from
playing partner Fred Couples.
Alas, after advancing to three-under, Norman slumped over par with a double-bogey
seven at the eighth, his 17th hole of the day.
Griffin had no such troubles, reeling off birdies at the second, sixth, seventh,
eighth, 13th, 14th and 17th holes.
"Almost the most pleasing thing is not having any bogeys," he said. "Standing over
the little three-footer at the last, I was really feeling it.
"You've got to take advantage of the nice conditions in the morning. It would be
nice to be leader overnight."
Griffin, a economics graduate, has former university mate Chris Kane carrying his
bag this week, but says his former caddie Peter Beck would no doubt be smiling down
at him after his brilliant opening round.
"He would have been loving it as much as me," Griffin said.
"It was obviously a big shock to lose Peter."
After fearing the worst following the cancellation of Wednesday's pro-am due to
several fairways and greens being flooded, Appleby was delighted to have also taken
advantage of the perfect morning conditions.
"I like the way I hit it," he said.
"I missed a few putts, left a few out there, but I'm happy to get off to the start I
have. If I can have three more rounds like that, I'll be happy."