David Fearns sinks eight birdies to lead Australian PGA Senior Championship

Queenslander David Fearns’ hot putter has helped him secure a one-shot lead at the Australian PGA Senior Championship at Richmond Golf Club.

Fearns tore apart the par-69 layout on Friday, shooting a seven-under 62 in an opening round that included eight birdies.

“It was sensational,” Fearns said.

“It was just one of those days with the putter. I haven’t putted that well for five years.”

Hot on the heels of Fearns after rounds of 63 are Order of Merit leader Andre Stolz and Mike Harwood.

“I was a bit worried about the forecast with the strong westerly blowing and it was actually really weird today,” Stolz said.

“The wind was sort of switching back and forward, so that’s what made it tricky, but it didn’t really start blowing hard until towards the end.”

A shot further back are Peter Lonard and Andrew Welsford, while PGA TOUR Champions player David Bransdon and last week’s NSW Senior Open winner David McKenzie are among six players at four-under.

“I probably left a few out there, but I played OK without going crazy, but five-under is always a nice way to start,” Lonard said.