Case yearly master

Aussies also in hunt at Augusta

AUSTRALIA’S contingent were among the leaders, as Paul Casey took full advantage of a three-hour storm delay to seize the lead at the USMasters.

Casey matched the lowest major round of his career with as even-under par 65 on Friday to seize the lead.

It was a strong first round for the Aussies as a whole, with Marc Leishman and Jason Day both finishing on -2, Adam Scott sitting on -4 before the conditions bringing his round to a premature end after 10 holes, while Cameron Smith is on level par through 10holes.

Casey awoke to heavy showers and was happy to wait before setting out on the rainsoaked Augusta National.

“That was a good (rain) break I capitalised on, because it was a glorious day for golf, really, after that,” Casey said.

There were 44 players who must finish their first round on

Saturday due to darkness because of the delay. That means Casey is unlikely to finish round two before sunset. But it wasworthit.

Casey’s only other 65 in a major came in the final round of the 2018 Masters, but as he pondered a day with five birdies and an eagle at the par-5 second, the Englishman was bothered by shots he felt he leftonthecourse.

“It was a great round. It was just very solid golf,” he said. “I did the right things when I neededto.

“You rarely walk off this golf course going, it could have been two or three better, but it kind of felt that way .”

Casey is chasing his first major title at age 43, but had his best major finish, a runnerup spot, in August at the PGA Championship.

He has struggled with finding the electricity and inspiration playing without spectators since returning fromtheCOVID-19shutdown.

“I didn’ t know how the fanless experience would be. And so far, I’ve not enjoyed it, and I’ve felt the lack of energy for me,”Caseysaid.

“I’ve had nothing or very little to draw from being out playing tournament golf .”

Even without spectators this week, Casey said, the Masters packs enough energy toinspirehim.