Scotland's Dean Robertson came up with a dramatic way to upstage Greg Norman on the opening day of the Heineken Classic in Perth today.
Robertson sank a 35-foot putt and then holed a 103-yard wedge for an eagle three at his last two holes for a seven under par 65 and a one-stroke lead over former world number one Norman and his fellow Australian Nick O'Hern.
"I knew the pitch shot was perfect, but for it to go in was a real bonus," said the Paisley golfer, who only two weeks ago was joint third in the Alfred Dunhill championship in South Africa after a first round 62 - the lowest round of his life.
"To open the season with a 62 was a pleasing surprise and to do this in a difficult wind feels just as good."
Norman had also closed with an eagle, hitting the flagstick with his second shot to the 517-yard 18th - Robertson's three came on the 525-yard ninth - and holing from 10 feet.
Nick Faldo and Justin Rose, second in his first two tournaments of the year, both eagled the 18th as well from eight and four feet respectively. But while it meant a 70 for Rose Faldo still managed only a two over 74.
New Swedish star Fulke was even more delighted at his return to action four weeks after he finished second at the world match play championship in Melbourne.
Already sure of a Ryder Cup debut later this year and current runaway leader of Europe's Order of Merit thanks to that £300,000 sterling cheque, the 29-year-old's outward 31 included yet another eagle on the downwind 18th - In his case from four feet like Rose.
He again showed his liking for The Vines by hitting all 18 greens in regulation and collecting five birdies.
Down near the rear of the field on 81 was former Scottish Open champion Wayne Riley, who two days ago had reportedly upset fellow passengers and cabin crew on his flight from South Africa.
PA