Fearless Micha blows through debut

Dave Micheluzzi defies the circumstances on Thursday afternoon in 2018 #AusOpenGolf

He plays in his first #AusOpenGolf and even cannon Victorian amateur David Micheluzzi was not immune to some of the first tee nerves at The Lakes on Thursday.

But 18 holes and only 68 swings later, the 22-year-old from Cranbourne is only one blow back from outright leader Ben An and he puts serious pressure on the pros around him.

Future at The Lakes for the third time in his life, Micheluzzi set up a clinic in the harsh weather conditions of the afternoon – a performance PGA Tour stars Matt Kuchar, Keegan Bradley and many more could not come together – rattling with late birdies on 16 and 17 to climb to 4-under after a day of play.

While he plays in his fourth pro event in as many weeks, the World Nr. 14-amateur feel at home between the big names of the game.

"I am not there about & # 39; I still have the nerves," Micheluzzi said.

"But I just have to play golf and let the results take care of itself.

"The Fiji International was probably a good starting point with all cameras – Asian Amateur was the same kind of deal and I got used to that.

"Now, this kind of feels normal – as much as it is not, I feel that I belong to it now."

After driving the par-4 6th, Green Micheluzzi had to settle for a par to stay on 1-under before another three-putt on par-5 11e threatened to slow down his momentum

But he bounced back with a bird at 12 to climb to 3-under, before returning that shot to the par-5 14th after an aggressive play against the green in two was too short.

"I have a very good ride on 11 and a really good second battle, I have never set two levels", Micheluzzi laughs.

"Then the putter caught fire, I think the 18th was my first missed iron shot, which I missed briefly, but it was in the perfect spot."

Given the howling wind and driving rain, hitting 11 fairways and finding 14 greens in regulation was a phenomenal effort by a fearless golfer who played with little to lose.

But Micheluzzi will not be sucked up to dream about winning the Stonehaven Cup just now, with The Lakes probably & # 39; bites him & # 39; in the next 54 holes.

"It probably will, I do not know," Micheluzzi said.

"I just have to play as well as I can and get the result for myself, if I miss the cut with 25 or if I make the cut, if I'm up there, it still does not matter.

"I just have to hit every picture as good as I can."