Newly-wed Mullinax grabs Puerto Rico lead

PGA Tour rookie Trey Mullinax has taken advantage of a weakened field to storm into the lead at the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande.

First he tied the knot, then PGA Tour rookie Trey Mullinax tied the course record with a nine-under-par 63 at the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande on Thursday.

Mullinax, who married his long-time girlfriend five days ago, ran off nine birdies on the Coco Beach course to lead by one from American compatriot D.A.Points.

The 24-year-old, making only his 15th PGA Tour start, ended his round by sinking a 15-foot par-saving putt at his final hole, the par-four ninth.

Veteran Points had an even more rousing finish, holing out with a nine-iron from 145 yards at his final hole for a 64.

With nearly all of the game's top players competing at the WGC-Dell Match Play in Austin, a weak field at the Puerto Rico could provide a springboard for success for the eventual winner.

Australia has a large contingent competing but most will be hoping to make the cut, rather than fighting for honours, after a disappointing opening round.

Cameron Percy is the best of the Australians, tied for 29th, six shots behind Mullinax.

Matt Jones and Brett Drewitt (one under), Steven Bowditch and John Senden (even par) and Stuart Appleby (one over) face a fight for survival when the second round gets underway.


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Source: AAP



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