Australia’s Steven Bowditch matched Choi Joon-woo’s six-under-par 66 to share the lead with the South Korean after the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.

World number one Tiger Woods has made a huge statement on the opening day of the JBWere Masters at Kingston Heath, Australia, tearing up the sandbelt course with a six-under 66 to sit level with James Nitties and 21-year-old South African Branden Grace.

Philip Walton, Europe’s Ryder Cup match-winning hero in 1995, and 1999 runner-up Jean Van de Velde are among 12 players to have come through the 36-hole final qualifying for next week’s Open Championship.

Irish interest in the British Amateur championship ended at Royal Lytham and St Annes today.

Daniel Willett caused a stir in the opening matchplay round of the British Amateur Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes today as he claimed the notable scalp of rising Irish star Rory McIlroy.