Adam Scott off to record start at Australian Open

Australians celebrate their version of Thanksgiving in May, but Adam Scott took a moment on Thursday to be thankful for birdies.

Playing in the Australian Open, Scott parlayed a fast start into a course record 10-under 62, taking an opening-round lead at Royal Sydney.

“It was a beautiful morning, that’s for sure,” he said. “I came out hitting great shots and didn’t have much work to clean them up.”

Birdies on the first six holes started him in the right direction. After his game started to cool, Scott responded with four more birdies down the home stretch.

“A very nice little course record to have,” he said. “I can’t sit here and complain about anything.”

Ryan Yip of Canada and American John Young Kim are tied for second at 7-under, with David McKenzie and two-time champion Aaron Baddeley not far behind.

Rory McIlroy, still looking for his first win of the year, shot an opening-round 69.

“I feel like my game’s in good shape,” McIlroy said this week. “It’s probably the best it’s been all year.”

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