Aaron Pike (A) Leads 2006 MasterCard Masters

Equalling the course record of 64 at Huntingdale Golf Course, amateur Aaron Pike, who had to qualify for this event, sits atop the leaderboard.

Pike is one shot clear of England’s Nick Dougherty and another unheralded Australian, Peter Wilson. Both opened with 65s; while Dougherty’s European Tour Member Raphal Jacquelin of France carded a 66, and is in fourth place, after dropping a shot at the last.

The tournament is co-sanctioned between The European Tour and the Australasian Tour.

Six people are tied for fifth place on four under par 68, including two time Australian Open winner Aaron Baddeley (1999 and 200) and Spain’s Carl Suneson, who came through the Qualifying School Final Stage at San Roque last week and who took full advantage of his first start on The 2007 European Tour International Schedule.

Five players share 11th place after signing for 69s, including defending champion Robert Allenby and England’s Justin Rose, playing his first regular European Tour event outside the Major Championships since the South African Airways Open almost a year ago.