Australian David Micheluzzi eclipsed some of the world’s best golfers by taking a share of the lead in the first round of the $US9 million ($14 million) Dubai Desert Classic.
The 28-year-old had his best day ever on the European tour, shooting a flawless seven-under-par 65 at Emirates Golf Course, eclipsing the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, favorites for the $1 prize First prize 0.53 million (2 .46 million dollars).
Melburnian Micheluzzi wasn’t the only surprise name at the top of the leaderboard on Thursday – David Ford, a young American amateur, and Portuguese Ricardo Gouveia also shot 65s.
“Definitely; I couldn’t have asked for a better start,” smiled Micheluzzi, who returned home with birdies on his final four holes.
“I’ve never played here before and everyone says how difficult it was. Today I played great and there’s nothing more to it.
“After the first 11, 12 holes, the wind picked up a little bit, but I still hit some good shots and was lucky to hit a few shots that I probably wasn’t aiming for, and then I made some nice putts into the holes.
– Four birds in a jump. Yes, you don’t mind, right? Lunch tastes very sweet afterwards.
Micheluzzi, who enters his second year on the European tour after winning the PGA Tour of Australasia four times, is determined to enjoy a successful campaign.
“I just want to go out and enjoy it. Last year was stressful, my first year away from home; it’s always hard,” he explained.
“New spots every week, and I just want to look forward to each event and play my best. I’ve started the week well, which is nice.”
Defending champion McIlroy had to settle for a “pretty lively” first round 70 to move five points ahead of the pace, while Rahm posted a first-round 69 on his debut in the event.
Left-handed Ford, a 22-year-old who plans to turn pro in May, played his first 11 holes in seven under, then parred the last seven.
Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera returned from a six-month absence due to mental problems, scoring 67 points and just two shots off the lead.
“I cried when I saw the first shirt,” the 39-year-old told reporters.
“I have had a lot of support since I came back. Many messages and many people were very nice to me. I feel fine.
“I was just trying to have fun; just come here and prepare like you would for college events and keep it really simple.”
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