LIVE: Jones, Morgan take early lead at TPS Sydney

Brendan Jones has made a stunning start to his return to competitive golf, tied with Jed Morgan at the top of the leaderboard at TPS Sydney.

Despite the heavy rain and flooding being experienced throughout Sydney, first groups were able to tee off in relatively clear skies, the Bonnie Doon layout presenting in wonderful condition given the rain it has received.

There was a 90-minute rain delay at 9.45am as the rain briefly intensified but the morning groups got through their opening rounds with Morgan and Jones on top at 3-under 68.

They were joined by Victorian Cameron John and Coffs Harbour’s Amelia Mehmet-Grohn as the afternoon groups got their tournament underway, Mehmet-Grohn making birdie at the par-4 10th and then eagle at the par-4 12th.

“It’s the best draining golf course I’ve ever seen around the world.”

Co-leader Jed Morgan tips his hat to the incredible greens staff and course super Cameron Smith at @bonniedoongc 👏 #TPSSydney pic.twitter.com/v5N369UfTj
— #TPSSydney | PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) March 3, 2022

North Coast Open champion Kade McBride went one better at 12, holing out for a hole-in-one with a 3-wood from 292 metres to make early progress in his opening round.

A 15-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, Jones has played next to no golf since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak and only quit his landscaping job last Thursday in preparation for a return to tournament golf.

Jones had three birdies and a lone bogey in his round of 68 as he tunes up for a return to the Japan Golf Tour.

“I generally play my best fresh and can’t get much fresher than what I am,” said Jones, whose preparation consisted of a trip with 11 mates to play Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes.

“I know I’m still good enough. Yes the course isn’t overly difficult the way it is. Yes, it’s hard to go low because trying to get the ball close to the pins but this golf course is fairly generous.

“I’ve got a new set of clubs and probably the best attitude I’ve had for a long time.

“I don’t mean to sound big-headed but it felt like I did it really easily.

“My tee to green doesn’t change and I know that when I do sharpen up the chipping and putting that I’m going to be competitive again.

“That’s something to look forward to.”

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TV Guide

The event will be televised across Saturday and Sunday on Foxtel and Kayo in Australia. Times in AEDT, check your guide for local times.

• Saturday: Fox Sports (12pm – 3pm), Kayo Sports (12pm – 5pm)