MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Stuart Manley of Wales finally got a chance to play Royal Melbourne. He made the most of the opportunity to shoot a 4-under-par 67 Thursday in the first round of the World Cup.
Manley, who last week secured his European Tour card for next season, was tied for second, one stroke behind first-round leaders Thomas Bjorn of Denmark and American Kevin Streelman.
Manley first came to Royal Melbourne in 2005 to play the Heineken Classic. But although he was first reserve on the Sunday before the tournament started, he never got into the field.
"I thought I'd come down, hopefully get a start but it didn't work out," Manley said Thursday. "I walked the golf course, but didn't actually play."
The 346th-ranked Manley intended to play in the team event for Wales at this World Cup, but his scheduled partner, Jamie Donaldson, withdrew with a back injury. That forced Manley to play as one of eight individuals in the 60-player field.