Allenby in the hunt at depleted PGA event

Jul 21, 2017 - 2:14 AM Australian veteran Robert Allenby is just one shot off the lead after play was suspended due to darkness at the PGA Tour event in Alabama.

The 46-year-old fired six birdies in a five-under opening round 66 to be in a tie for fourth.

With golf's big names competing in the Open Championship at Birkdale, American trio Martin Flores, Cameron Tringale and Zac Blair head the depleted field after rounds of six-under 65

Flores and Tringale played in morning and Blair finished his afternoon round in humid conditions after a rain delay of nearly two hours at Grand National's Lake course.

Allenby is in a group along with Americans Chad Campbell and Tag Ridings and South African Rory Sabbatini, who all carded rounds of 66, and Richy Werenski (16 holes).

Allenby, who won his four PGA Tour titles in a 17-month span between April 2000 and September 2001, is used to the hot and muggy conditions.

"Well, I live in Florida. Now remember, I'm from the great southern land down under, so it's pretty hot down there, too," Allenby said.

"It's just hot and sweaty, so it's just hard to keep everything dry as far as the sweat.

"But I played well. I was happy with the way I hit it, putted well."

Cameron Percy is the next-best Australian after a three-under 68 with Matt Jones opening with a 69, to sit alongside Jim Furyk and KJ Choi -- the two highest-profile players in action.

"It wasn't a great round by any means, but it was a good, solid round and kind of keeps me in there," 47-year-old Furyk said.

Stuart Appleby fired a 71 with Brett Drewitt (16 holes) also at even par.

Mark Hensby signed for a two over 73 with Steven Bowditch a shot further back after a 74.

Davis Love III, at 53 the oldest player in the field, had a 72 to be a stroke better than son Dru Love.

Source: AAP