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Jordan Spieth struggles, Jason Day OK at Aussie Open

Jordan Spieth of the U.S. watches his tee shot on the 6th during the opening round of the Australian Open Golf tournament in Sydney, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. (Rick Rycroft / Associated Press)
Associated Press

SYDNEY – Defending champion Jordan Spieth struggled in gusty afternoon winds Thursday at the Australian Open, while Jason Day took advantage of more calm morning conditions.

The result was that the tournament’s marquee players were overshadowed by Lucas Herbert, who shot 5-under 66 at the Australian Open to lead through the second round. That left Day, making his first competitive appearance in his home country since 2013, three strokes behind after a 66. Spieth was seven strokes behind after shooting 70.

Spieth said he was rusty after a lengthy break.

“It was a bit inconsistent,” Spieth said. “But I had five bogeys, and to still shoot under par is really good. There was a bit of good there after a rough start.”