Louis Oosthuizen shot a two-under-par 70 at Lake Karrinyup Country Club on Thursday for a share of 23rd place during round one at the Perth International.
The 2010 Open Champion started on the 10th hole, where he made birdie and got the round going. Further gains at the 12th and 15th would help him to make the turn in three-under-par 33.
He made a bogey at the par-four second hole and undermined his chances of going really low, but pencilled in seven consecutive pars to make the clubhouse in 70 strokes.
‘I like the course and I hit it well today. Five or six under was a real score for me, but I pulled the handbrake on it. I’m a bit disappointed after the good start I had,’ he said.
The upper end of the leaderboard was jam-packed with Australians, but American Peter Uihlein led the way on seven-under-par, one stroke clear of France’s Romain Wattel and India’s Shiv Kapur, who each shot 66.
‘I holed some nice putts and it was a solid day,’ said Uihlein. ‘There were tough pins and it was windy, so I’m definitely pleased with my start to the week.’
Oosthuizen is playing the tournament for the first time, based on a recommendation from Ernie Els. He was excited to have a crack at the title.
‘I’m in a good position, I’m confident and I’m hitting the ball well, so bring on the next few rounds,’ said Compleat Golfer’s Playing Editor.
