Day 3 shots off; Spieth struggles
SYDNEY – Defending champion Jordan Spieth struggled in gusty afternoon winds Thursday at the Australian Open, while Jason Day took advantage of more calm morning conditions. The result was that the tournament’s marquee players were overshadowed by first-round leader Cameron Davis, who shot an eight-under 63 at The Australian Golf Club.
That left Day, making his first competitive appearance in his home country since 2013, three strokes behind after a 66. Spieth was seven strokes behind after a 70.
Spieth, who bogeyed his first two holes and appeared to be out of sorts for most of his round, is trying to win the Australian Open for the third time in four years.
Taylor MacDonald was two strokes behind fellow Australian Davis and alone in second place, while another Australian, Nick Cullen, was level with Day at 5-under, tied for third.
Most of the top 15 on the leaderboard had morning tee times.
Spieth said he was rusty after a lengthy break.