Lucas Herbert shot an 8-under 63 Thursday at a soggy Victoria Golf Club, including an eagle on his last hole, to take the first-round lead at the Australian Open, with fellow Australian and 2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith two strokes behind.

Lucas Herbert shot an 8-under 63 at Victoria Golf Club to take the early clubhouse lead at the Australian Open, with 2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith two strokes behind.

Australian LIV Golf stars Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert have made bright starts to this year's Australian Open, but a young up-and-coming Japanese player sets the early pace.

Pre-tournament favourite Cameron Smith has run hot to take the early lead during the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.