Ben Ferguson has burst onto the professional scene in style after an impressive six-under-par 66 left the youngster in a tie for third during the opening round of the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open.
The 20-year-old birdied three of his first five holes to show no sign of nerves, before turning at the ninth at three-under the card.
Three birdies on the back nine would see Ferguson level with six-time champion Stephen Leaney and Queenslander Brett Rankin.
“I played well all day really,” Ferguson said.
“I cruised my way around and didn’t make too many mistakes, just playing safer on the tougher pins. I tried to take advantage of the par fives throughout the day.”
Despite the extra attention gained upon making his professional debut, Ferguson hasn’t felt the pressure of expectation.
“I was a little bit nervous,” he claimed. “ It has been a bit of a different vibe this week.”
“I’ve played a few pro events, I think this is my 10th. I am used to the feeling of it.”
“There is a bit more media going on and it’s been good I have really enjoyed that part of it.”
The former WA Amateur Medallist isn’t getting ahead of himself at Mount Lawley Golf Club, believing he can continue to build from his promising start.
“There is still three rounds of golf to go, so a long way to go yet,” he mentioned. “66 is a good start but I can definitely keep firing.”
Ferguson is being well supported throughout the week by his family and friends, taking away some special memories from his first professional tournament.
“I have one of my good mates on the bag as well which is always great,” he said.
“We have great support out there and some home members have come out too which is pretty special.”
Western Australian young gun Jordan Jung surprised many to be sitting in seventh position, while Kim Felton finished the opening round inside the top 10.
Kirsten Rudgeley has shown plenty of promise as one of only two women in the field. The Mount Lawley local is at even-par and in 33rd position overall.
“Hitting off the back tees was pretty tough all day to be honest,” she said. “I think I hit driver off the tee on all bar one.”
“Everyone in the group was so nice to me and made me feel extremely welcome on course.
Round two commences at 6.50am tomorrow morning.
