FILE PHOTO: Golf - The 2025 Ryder Cup - Bethpage Black Golf Course, Farmingdale, New York, United States - September 28, 2025 Team Europe's Rory McIlroy lines up his putt on the 11th hole during the singles REUTERS/Paul Childs/File Photo
Dec 4 (Reuters) - Mexican Carlos Ortiz produced a late surge to grab a share of the lead with Elvis Smylie and Ryan Fox after a six-under-par 65 in Thursday's opening round of the Australian Open, while Rory McIlroy struggled in blustery conditions at Royal Melbourne, finishing with a one-over 72.
Smylie, 23, son of former Australian tennis player Elizabeth Smylie, delighted home fans with seven birdies against a lone bogey. New Zealand's Fox matched the leading score in the event co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, with eight birdies and two bogeys.
