Four-way tie for lead after opening day of Morobe Open

BIRDIES flowed on the opening day of the Trukai Morobe Open golf tournament as four players grabbed the early initiative at the Lae Golf Club course.
Damien Jordan, the 2016 winner, Taylor MacDonald, Braden Becker and Josh Munn all fired 6-under par 65s in expectedly sunny and humid conditions.
For Queenslander MacDonald and New Zealander Munn this was the first time each of them had ventured north to Papua New Guinea.
“My goal today was just to try and keep the ball in play on these tight fairways,” Munn said.
“Things really started well for me today from the very first hole and even with a bogey at 17th, I am really pleased with the way I played and the position I am in following today’s opening round.”
Queenslander Jordan will be looking to become a two-time champion this week after claiming the title in 2016, while Western Australia’s Braden Becker will be looking to continue to make the putts as he attempts to win his biggest professional tournament to date. Defending champion Christopher Wood is in 21st place playing square for par on the 18-hole course which had its fairway in a perfect state yesterday.
Bradley Doherty and Jordan Mullaney on equal fifth 5-under 66s and look to continue their good form today.