Golf: Solid start for Tataurangi

New Zealander Phil Tataurangi had a solid start in the US PGA Tour Barclays Classic carding a one-under-par 70 on the rain-softened Westchester Club golf course in New York state today.

After qualifying for only the fifth major of his 13-year professional career in New Jersey last week, Tataurangi had little time to savour his delight with his focus switching to the Barclays Classic.

He ended the opening day of the US$5.25 million ($8.5 million) event five shots adrift of Australian Adam Scott who produced a stunning round of 65.

Scott's round included holing out from the fairway for an eagle, and birdies on his closing two holes with respective putts of six and seven metres.

He leads by one-shot, with England's David Howell and American Billy Andrade next best on five-under-par.

Tataurangi was tied in 22nd place with 19 others , including USPGA and US Masters champion Phil Mickelson.

The Barclays Classic is the 24th on this year's US Tour schedule but only Tataurangi's eighth event since rejoining the tour after a lengthy lay-off due to injury.

While slightly disappointed to have sandwiched three bogeys and a birdie in between birdies at his opening and 18th holes, he was pleased with the outing.

"I played pretty nicely today. After birdieing the first I made a few mistakes to turn a good round into a not so good round and that was a pity," he said.

"Though I feel pretty fresh after having played 36 holes in the US Open qualifier, and with rain washing out the pro-am yesterday I couldn't do anything, so that was perfect.

"My game is coming along and there is still a lot of room for improvement.

"It's becoming a lot more consistent and whilst it always could be better, I am happy with my progress so far this year."

His mind was also in on the Winged Foot course nine kilometres to the east, where he will join former New Zealand teammate Michael Campbell in the US Open next week.

It will be Tataurangi's first major since contesting the 2003 US PGA Championship.

He would like to play a practice round with the defending champion, but laughed off suggestions of meeting his former Eisenhower Cup winning teammate on the tee.

"I like to play early morning practice rounds and there is no way Cambo gets up out of bed early," Tataurangi said.

"Unless he's changed his sleeping habits which I dare say he hasn't, I can't see getting up early and wanting to play an early practice round.

"I've known Cambo too long. He loves his sleep, but if does get up early he is welcome to join me.

"I'm sure our paths will cross and I'm really looking forward to catching-up with him as it's been some time."

- NZPA