MOLLYMOOK'S Jye Halls had a day to remember during the opening round of the 2021 Australian Junior Amateur at ACT's Gold Creek Country Club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ulladulla High School student carded a six-under 66 to lead the 85-strong male field during the opening round.
"I just took it one shot at a time, I don't think about it too much," Halls said after Tuesday's round.
The highlight of the 16-year-old's day, which also included six birdies, was an eagle on the third.
"I hit a three-wood just short of the green and paced it out like I was looking at a putt," he said.
"When I hit the chip, I thought it was short at first but it kept rolling and went in.
"It was a good start to my round.
"I was trying to make one more birdie coming home but three-putted the 17th.
"I had a chance to get it back on the last but the putt just missed."
Heading into day two of a tournament that has former winners such as Peter O'Malley, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Cam Smith, Adam Scott and Ryan Ruffels (with the last two being dual winners), Halls sits two shots ahead of second-placed Nicholas Siegmund and three ahead of Jeffrey Guan.
"It [six-under] is not my lowest, I have had a nine-under and a couple seven under before but it still felt good to shoot a low number."
Victoria's Jeneath Wong (five-under) leads the female field, of 69 competitors, heading into day two.
The winners will secure a start in the 2021 Australian Open to be held at The Australian Golf Club in November.
Sign up for the Voice of Regional Australia
Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
