Cameron Percy started the week as fourth alternate for the PGA TOUR’s Texas Open and ended it as the top Australian after a closing 3-under round of 69 pushed him into the top-20.

Obviously not expecting to earn a spot in the field the South Australian had entered the Web.com’s Louisiana Open but got a late call-up to the main PGA TOUR.

Two withdrawals from Texas, and the unavailability of two of the alternates on the list ahead of him, pushed Percy up the list and he took his place in the field at TPC San Antonio on Thursday morning.

While it no doubt felt like a good break initially he may have been thinking otherwise by the time he teed off at 8.10am in some of the most difficult conditions the TOUR has faced all year.

The scoring average for the morning field on day one topped 78 making Percy’s round of even par 72 a very impressive feat.

He continued the solid play all week to finish 1-over for the tournament and T15.

One behind Percy was Aaron Baddeley whose opening round 68 included one of the most bizarre birdies ever recorded on the TOUR.

After flaring his drive way right on the driveable par-4 17^ththe three time TOUR winner took an unplayable and trudged back to the tee to hit his third.

Amazingly, his second attempt not only found the green but the bottom of the cup though it was just the beginning of a roller coaster ride for the Victorian.

One shot off the lead through 36 holes a disastrous Saturday 76 dropped him well down the standings and an over par final round saw him finish T20, one shot ahead of the only other Australian to make the weekend, Matt Jones.

Falling victim to the conditions on day one were Geoff Ogilvy (82-80), defending champion Steven Bowditch (80-72), Jarrod Lyle (79-73), Robert Allenby (78-73) and John Senden (75-76).

Related:

Video / Cameron Percy drives a 347-yard par-4 to set up eagle at Valero