Aussie Nick Cullen surges ahead of Masters champ Scott in Australian Masters opener

Australian golfer Nick Cullen has upstaged his compatriot and Masters champion Adam Scott by leading the opening round of the Australian Masters at Royal Melbourne on Thursday with a blazing six-under.

Cullen, who turned professional only four years ago and won last year's Indonesia Open, led world number two Scott and German Maximilian Kieffer by two shots by holing an eagle and six birdies on his way to a 65.

According to Sport24, Cullen, who holed his eagle from 59 metres with a wedge, hailed his efforts and said that he hit and putted well and pitched in on the 11th, which, he added, always helps.

Although Scott headed to the practice range straight after his round, he stated that he was content with his score despite missing some early birdie chances and tailing off late, as he believes he capitalised on some fine mid-round ball striking.

Scott, who won last week's Australian PGA, said that since his breakthrough as the first Australian to win the US Masters in April, he has been determined to keep riding the momentum.

Meanwhile, Fiji's former world number one Vijay Singh was in a tie for 38th after a one-over 72 with five bogeys outnumbering his four birdies, the report added.