Rio Olympics 2016: Australian takes surprise lead in race for golfing gold
Fraser said he was "happy" big name Australians pulled out of Rio. Photo: Getty
Marcus Fraser has fired a sizzling eight-under 63 on day one of the men’s golf event at the 2016 Olympic Games to take a three-shot lead.
The world No.90 – only playing in the event because of the high-profile withdrawals of Jason Day, Adam Scott and Marc Leishman – was the talk of the new Rio course on Friday morning (AEST) after his superb start.
Fraser is three shots ahead of Canadian Graham DeLaet and Swede Henrik Stenson and said afterwards he was happy his compatriots chose to give the event a swerve due to Zika and safety concerns.
“I’m glad they (the other Australians) decided not to come,” Fraser said.
“I fully respect their decisions but I’m embracing the fact that I am here.
Fraser (left) surveys the course. Photo: Getty
“In the locker room, everyone has decided to be here and are really happy to be here representing their countries.
“It’s got a great feel to the locker room – got a real buzz about it.”
Because this was the first day of golf at the Olympics, Fraser now holds the Games record for the best round.
The father-of-two said he will cherish his Games lead for the rest of his life.
“They are [kids] going to wake up in the morning in a state of shock that their old man is leading the tournament for now,” Fraser said.
“This is one thing I will look back on and remember forever.”
Australia’s other player in the men’s event, Scott Hend, started promisingly before collapsing on the 10th hole.
Hend did not fare as well as his compatriot. Photo: Getty
Hend needed 10 shots to complete the par-five hole and finished with a three-over 74.
He is 11 shots behind Fraser as a result.
Stenson looms as Fraser’s biggest threat, with the World No.5 impressing during the first round.
Brit Justin Rose – tied for third with Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello and three others after shooting a four-under 67 – also looms large.
German Alex Cejka, Frenchman Gregory Bourdy and Belgian Thomas Pieters also carded rounds of 67.
Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium and South Korea’s An Byeong Hun round out the top 10 following day one scores of 68.
