Chalmers has form for snatching crown

GREG Chalmers is no stranger to upstaging starstudded Australian PGA fields.

And the under-the-radar WA lefty is conjuring another boilover at Royal Pines after shooting a four-under 68 in yesterday’s first round.

Chalmers has won the Kirkwood Cup twice — in 2011 and 2014.

Starting on the 10th hole yesterday, he struck the ball well without reward until he reeled off four birdies in the last five holes to move into a share of eighth place.

Not the biggest hitter in the field, Chalmers said the soft fairways made Royal Pines play much longer than normal.

“I played really nicely. It was a little tricky out there early. It was windy and rainy and it was playing quite long. I think I had a three iron into the 11th hole [424m] and barely got to the front of the green,’’ he said.

“I had to be really patient because I thought my score wasn’t reflecting how I was hitting the ball.

“It’s the lowest round I’ve shot in a while . . . saw a lot of good signs that I’ve been waiting to see.’’

While coming back to a course where he has won in the past was “always handy”, Chalmers said past heroics only counted for so much.

“Coming back to Australia is really a pleasure. I’m more relaxed and sometimes that has helped to get good results. We’ll come out tomorrow afternoon and see what we can do,’’ he said.

“Right now, that [record of wins in 2011 and 2014] doesn’t matter so much. There’s a long way to go to get to that point.’’

Veteran Craig Parry wound back the clock with a threeunder 69 and was delighted given the trying conditions.

“It was a tough day out there. It played quite difficult. [Experience] definitely helps you,’’ Parry said.

“I thought it was good round for me.’’ a very