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

Calling out the soft course conditions at the Australian Open earned Cam Smith a lot of support from his fellow players but the “gettable” nature aided his quest for a maiden title in a blistering opening round as his LIV teammate Lucas Herbert set the pace.

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.

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

In-form Lucas Herbert has snatched the Australian Open lead as smarting pre-tournament favourite Cameron Smith also ran hot in the first round.