Mar1 bradleadsjohnnie
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Colin Montgomerie has made a solid start to the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand, but it was Australian Brad Kennedy of Australia who took an early lead.
The 32-year-old shot a seven-under 65 on the first day at the Blue Canyon Country Club earlier today.
Mike Weir of Canada, Stephen Gallacher of Scotland, Peter Hanson of Sweden and Graeme Storm of England trailed one stroke behind the leader to share the second spot with 66 at the $2.44 million tournament.
World No. 4 Adam Scott of Australia and No. 6 Ernie Els of South Africa were in danger of falling below the cut.
Monty came in at three under and will be looking to edge closer to the top of the leaderboard tomorrow.
Scott produced an eagle in the ninth hole, but five bogeys saw him finish the day with two-over 74, leaving him at joint 109th
Els, whose fluctuating form saw him suffer two double bogeys and three bogeys against six birdies for a one-over 73, was at joint 89th.
“I had two double bogeys on easy holes. If it wasn’t for that I would have had a pretty good round,” said the two-time U.S. Open champion and two-time Classic champion, in 1997 and 2003.
Another favorite, World No. 8 South African Retief Goosen, showed steadier form, carding four-under 68 to land 10th.