11 Mar 2021 | Queensland Open |
Crabtree fast start before rain delay
by Contributor
- By Jim Tucker
Caloundra local Chris Crabtree produced a short, sharp birdie burst before a sudden rain squall stalled Thursday's opening round of the Isuzu Queensland Open.
Play was halted after just 75 minutes of play at Pelican Waters Golf Club. A two-hour, 45-minute suspension of play kept players on hold while stubborn rain cleared, waterlogged fairways drained and pools in bunkers receded for a 10.30am (AEST) resumption.
Amateur Crabtree was off in the first group on the 10th tee at 6.30am.
As a long time member of Pelican Waters, Crabtree was at home.
He was three-under-par for his first five holes and was staring at another top birdie chance from just under 4m on the par-three 15th when players were called off the course.
Top female pro Steph Kyriacou started birdie-birdie in a super start before the rain came.
The six women in the field are playing off the same back markers as the men this week.
Defending champion Anthony Quayle hit a pinpoint driver 275m on his second hole, the 311m par four 11th. A neat pitch and a short putt had him off to a perfect birdie start.