Anthony Houston sets early pace in Fiji International
Thursday 6 October 2016 13:06, UK
Australian Anthony Houston fired a seven-under 65 to lead after the first round of the Fiji International, with American Ryder Cup star Brandt Snedeker four shots adrift.
Houston, starting from the 10th, had an eagle on 17 and six birdies, offset only by a bogey at the par-five fifth in the PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour event at Natadola Golf Course.
Stephen Leaney, 47, had set the early pace with a bogey-free 66, and he was later joined on the six-under mark by 22-year-old fellow Australian Jake Higginbottom.
Jason Norris, Damien Jordan, Matthew Giles, Aaron Pike and Aaron Wilkin are two shots off the lead after 67s, with two more Australians - Ryan Haller and Matthew Griffin - a further stroke back.
Snedeker, who won all three of his Ryder Cup matches at Hazeltine as the home side ran out 17-11 winners to inflict Europe's heaviest defeat in the biennial contest for 35 years, had four birdies and one bogey in a round of 69.
He was joined on three under by fellow Americans Boo Weekley and Ryan Carter among a group of eight players tied for 11th.
Home favourite and three-time major winner Vijay Singh had an opening round of 70.
