Cameron Smith is the clubhouse leader at the NSW Open at Murray Downs Golf Club. -AAP Image
Cameron Smith has lived up to the hype to capture the first-round clubhouse lead at the NSW Open on the Murray River.
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The Pied Piper of the fairways drew a huge gallery of some 1000 fans on Thursday and didn't disappoint with a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 start to the tournament.
After starting on the 10th tee, Smith wowed fans with birdies on the 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th holes to nab the outright lead before even making the turn.
The 2022 British Open champion collected three more birdies on his inward nine to claim a one-stroke lead over his LIV Golf Rippers teammate Lucas Herbert.
Herbert carded a six-under 65 as the cream rose to the top among the morning starters at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club.
Former amateur ace Harrison Crowe is one stroke further back in third spot after opening with a 66.
After finishing equal third at the Queensland PGA Championship two weeks ago, Smith is in the midst of a rare four-event stint down under.
The Florida-based superstar is hunting a first victory in 15 months as he gears up for Australia's two "majors" - next week's PGA Championship at Royal Queensland and then the flagship Australian Open in Melbourne.Â
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