Rory McIlroy kicked off the defence of his Australian Open title with a two-under-par round of 69 this morning.
The world number one carded four birdies and two bogeys in Sydney to join the hunt for the trophy, while young American Jordan Spieth leads the early standings with a round of four-under 67.
Elsewhere it was a bad start on home turf for Adam Scott, who finds himself way down on three-over-par, although that was soon put into perspective by the tragic passing of compatriot Phil Hughes while he was out on the course.
Scott Gardiner successfully made a hole in one at the par-three 11th, meanwhile, yet he still finds himself well off the pace at the close of the opening day of play.
