QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand // Ricky Ponting, the former Australia cricket captain, used to win attention in New Zealand for his high scores, but it was his low score at the New Zealand Golf Open that caught the eye on Thursday.
Ponting had six birdies in a combined 7-under par opening round of 65 with playing partner Tony Popovic in the pro-am, best ball section of the tournament. Ponting and Popovic were still five shots off the pro-am pace which was set at 12-under.
Ponting played in a group including Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, while another former Australia captain, Allan Border and partner Brad Hughes were at 4-under.
– Associated Press
