Rickie Fowler leads Australian PGA Championship after first-round 63

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Ricky Fowler had six birdies over his last eight holes en route to a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Australian PGA Championship.

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Associated Press 

Series: Other Tour

GOLD COAST, Australia – Ricky Fowler had six birdies over his last eight holes en route to an 8-under-par 63 Thursday to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Australian PGA Championship. 

The American golfer's round took some of the attention from Adam Scott's first tournament back in Australia as Masters champion. Scott, however, was sitting only two strokes back following a 65 after playing in the afternoon groups affected by gusty winds at Royal Pines, which made low scoring more difficult. 

The 33-year-old Scott was level with fellow Australians Matthew Ballard and David McKenzie. 

Nathan Green shot 66 and was alone in fifth spot, a stroke better than Australian compatriot Jason Norris and South Korea's Kwon Sung-yeol, who shot 67s and were equal sixth. Richard Lee of Canada was in a large group tied for eighth with 68s. 

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Fowler started at the 10th and opened with five pars before making birdie on two of the next four holes before the turn. 

"It was a good solid start," Fowler said. "A little bit slow on my front nine, but I just stayed patient and finally got a few things to go, made a couple of good up and downs." 

Fowler said although the conditions were conducive to good scoring on Thursday morning, the situation could easily change. And it did. 

"If the wind picks up this afternoon, like it started to pick up the last few holes, the course will dry out a bit and they'll play a little bit tougher, "Fowler said. "So tomorrow afternoon it's going to be a little bit different course than I saw this morning." 

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Scott is making his first tournament appearance back home since winning the Masters in April, the first Australian to do so. He made par on his first five holes before notching three consecutive birdies. 

An attempted eagle putt on the par-5 12th narrowly missed, but it was an eight-foot putt on the 18th for birdie that again got the home fans cheering. 

"A little shaky start, scrambling, that settled me down into competition mode," Scott said. "Pleased to get that out of the way and put a good one on the board. Setting myself up for hopefully what's a good weekend." 

Big Topics For Must-See 'State Of Ravens'

Posted Jan 7, 2014

Garrett DowningBaltimoreRavens.com Staff Writer@Ravens All Garrett Downing Articles



Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome, Dick Cass and John Harbaugh will address the media Wednesday morning.


The Ravens will hold their annual season review press conference with Owner Steve Bisciotti, General Manager Ozzie Newsome, Head Coach John Harbaugh and President Dick Cass on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

The “State of the Ravens” is an annual must-see event, as the organization’s brass recaps the previous year and also provides a big picture view of the upcoming offseason. [Note: You can watch the press conference live on theRavens mobile app or on the website].

Here’s a primer for some of the big topics that will likely be addressed:

Personnel Priorities
For the past several years, Newsome has outlined some of the team’s key needs at the season review presser. Last year he said the Ravens would look to rebuild the middle of their defense, and the team ended up focusing their free-agent attention on strengthening the defensive front. The Ravens have several areas they could address this offseason, so what will Newsome reveal as his priorities? Will wide receivers and offensive linemen be at the top of the list?

Reaction To Offensive Struggles
The Ravens had a historically poor offense this season, as the group finished the year ranked 29th in yards per game (307.4) and 25th with 20 points per game. The unit fell short of expectations, especially after its remarkable postseason run last year. Quarterback Joe Flacco had a career high 23 interceptions, and running backRay Rice had a career low 3.1 yards per carry. Harbaugh has already been asked about the offensive woes, but this will be the first time Bisciotti and Newsome speak on the topic.

Review Of Historic Offseason Transition
After winning the Super Bowl in February, the Ravens underwent the most significant roster overhaul of any previous Super Bowl winner. They had to replace future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, and other team leaders like Anquan Boldin, Matt Birk and Bernard Pollard. The transition took a toll, and the Ravens made several moves in free agency to help make up for the losses. Some of the moves worked out, like the signing of outside linebackerElvis Dumervil, middle linebacker Daryl Smith and defensive lineman Chris Canty. Other moves, like bringing in safety Michael Huff and defensive lineman Marcus Spears, did not pan out as the Ravens hoped. Newsome will likely face questions about the moves the Ravens made coming into the season.

Use Of Franchise Tag
The Ravens avoided having to use the franchise tag last season on Flacco, but they have used it in recent years on star players like Rice, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata. Tight end Dennis Pitta and left tackleEugene Monroe could be candidates for the franchise tag this offseason if the Ravens opt to go that route. Newsome may provide some insight on how – or if – the Ravens intend to use the tag this year.

Any More Coaching Moves?
Harbaugh said during his press conference last week that the Ravens did not have any immediate coaching changes to make, but that some members of his staff could explore other opportunities. The Ravens and Running Backs Coach Wilbert Montgomery have since decided to part ways, and Offensive Coordinator Jim Caldwell has interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Redskins and Lions and soon the Titans. Will there be any news from Harbaugh on the coaching front this week?

Thoughts From Bisciotti
Bisciotti speaks candidly when he talks with the media. He has delivered some memorable moments at the season review press conferences, including in 2011 when he said that he liked Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron “under fire.” What are his thoughts about this year?