Canadian rookie Mackenzie Hughes had visions of a sub-60 score as he posted a flawless nine-under-par 61 to lead the US PGA Tour's RSM Classic at Sea Island, Georgia.
The 25-year-old web.com Tour graduate posted nine birdies as he took a one-shot lead from Americans Stewart Cink and Jonathan Byrd, who were also playing the par-70 Seaside course, one of two courses in use.
Little-known Brett Drewitt was best of the Australians after shooting five-under 67 on the Seaside course to be tied 23rd.
Like Hughes, the 25-year-old from Taree, NSW, is playing early events on the US tour after decent results on the secondary web.com Tour last season, where he finished 21st in the finals series.
Of the other Australians, Cameron Percy posted a three-under 69 on the par 72 Plantation to be tied 60th alongside Stuart Appleby 67 (Seaside).
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Forgoing his Australian Open title defence this week in a bid to shore up his US tour future, Matt Jones was a shot furrther back after a 70 on the Plantation course.
Steve Bowditch's wild struggles continued as he posted a seven-over 77 with three double bogeys and six bogeys against his eagle and three birdies.
Hughes has been on a roll, earning his PGA Tour card in August and getting married three weeks ago and Thursdsay's round was a continuation.
It was one of those days where everything was going right," said Hughes. "Towards the end there I had a chance to shoot 59 and I was thinking about it but came up a couple short."
Cink, the 2009 British Open champion, said he has been inspired by having his wife Lisa in the gallery. She has been battling breast cancer and that some recent good news for her raised their spirits.
"She's got a pretty rough case of breast cancer. It's not good, but she got a really good report this Monday. A huge blessing," Cink told Golf Channel. "My heart is so much better than it was."
