Green defies the harsh conditions

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SYDNEY, Australia -- Nathan Green defied buffeting wind and rain and nerves about partnering Greg Norman to shoot five-under par 67 to lead the first round of the Australian Open at chilly Royal Sydney on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Australian, who lost in a three-way play-off to Tiger Woods in the Buick Invitational in San Diego last January, held a two-shot advantage over compatriots Richard Green and Jarrod Lyle in the $11.4 million tournament.

Green admitted to nerves partnering Australia's icon golfer Norman around the rainswept course, although the 'Great White Shark' blew up for a seven-over 79, dotted with eight bogeys.

Norman was not the only headline player to come to grief in the treacherous conditions, defending champion Robert Allenby crashed to a five-over 77, Stuart Appleby had a three-over 75 along with two-time winner Aaron Baddeley.

World number four Adam Scott grabbed two birdies but gave up four bogeys in his struggling 74 -- seven strokes off the lead.

Royal Sydney was playing an average of six shots over par on a torrid opening day for the field.

Green, who finished 41st leading money-earner on the US PGA Tour with more than $1.7 million in winnings, had six birdies and a bogey to capitalize on playing the back nine holes first in his early-morning tee-off.

"The conditions were tough," Green said. "I was going straight, which is all you have to do on a day like this, you just keep it in play."

Green confessed to an uncomfortable night's sleep, worried about playing with boyhood hero Norman.

"I was actually really nervous because I have not played with Greg before and I woke up early and could not get back to sleep... I was a bit worried about how I would play," he said.

US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy survived the miserable conditions with a par 72, with two birdies and off-set by two bogeys

Ogilvy is looking for an Australian Open crown to add to the US Open and WGC-Match Play titles he snared this year.

"It's the Australian Open, you've only got one chance at it every year so you just make sure you don't get out of it on the first day," Ogilvy said.

Dark mood

Norman's dark mood matched the conditions and he faces the likelihood of missing the weekend cut.

"I don't play that much as you know," said Norman, 51. "If you don't play a lot of golf in these conditions, you're going to pay the price.

"Hopefully, I can come back tomorrow and shoot in the 60s."

Leukaemia survivor Jarrod Lyle, who has gained his playing card to next year's US PGA Tour, felt pressure-free for the first time in months and responded with a three-under 69.

The Australian finished 18th on this year's secondary Nationwide Tour, with the top 20 earning a card for the US PGA Tour.

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