MELBOURNE: Unheralded local player Nick Cullen upstaged defending champion Adam Scott by shooting a sparkling six-under 65 to take a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Australian Masters yesterday.
The 29-year-old Cullen, ranked well outside the world’s top 300, grabbed a share of the lead with compatriot Scott after a sublime chip-in for eagle on the par-four 11th, then left the US Masters champion in his wake by rolling in three more birdies on a chilly, blustery day at Royal Melbourne.
With twin brother Dan, an elite cricketer who has played a Test match for Australia, Cullen was tickled to see his name at the top of the leaderboard above the headline act.
“I think it’s an amazing golf course and I’m really loving it here this week,” the Adelaide professional said. REUTERS
