Kai Komulainen ties course record in opening round of Australian Masters of the Am

January 3, 2025 | by Justin Golba of AmateurGolf.com

Kai Komulainen (Golf Australia Photo)

Komulainen shot a first round 8-under 64 to take the lead, while Sarah Hammett leads the women's division by two shots

The first round has come and gone of the 2024 Australian Master of the Amateurs at Southern Golf Club in Keysborough, Australia.

After the opening round, Kai Komulainen and Sarah Hammett lead the men's and women's divisions, respectively. Komulainen tied the course at Southern Golf Club with an 8-under 64.

The Tennessee freshman recorded nine birdies and one bogey, including birdies on holes No. 15 through 18, to get into the clubhouse at 8-under.

Harry Takis is in solo second place at 7-under, while Dominic McGlinchey is in solo third place at 6-under. Cooper Moore and Kayun Mudadana are T4 at 5-under to round out the top five. 2024 Western Amateur champion Ian Gilligan is T6 at 4-under.

Komulainen made the final 32 of the 2024 NSW Men's Amateur and led after the first round of the 2024 Australian Men's Amateur. He finished T26 at the 2024 Australian Master of the Amateurs.

Past winners include Lukas Michel (2021), Sahith Theegala (2020), and Aaron Wise (2017).

In the women's division, Sarah Hammet leads by two shots after an opening round 5-under 67.

Hammett, who is signed to play for USC next season, recorded five birdies, two bogeys, and an eagle. Her eagle came on a hole out on the par-4 No. 5. Raegan Denton and Ella Scaysbrook are T2 at 3-under, and Celine Chen and Gracie Larsen are T4 at 2-under.

First round highlights

Results: Master of the Amateurs

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Ian Gilligan	Reno, NV	1000	68-64-70-72=274
2	Kai Komulainen	, Australia	700	64-72-68-71=275
3	Harry Takis	, Australia	500	65-72-69-70=276
4	Jye Halls	, Australia	500	69-67-75-69=280
T5	Billy Dowling	, Australia	500	70-73-68-70=281

View full results for Master of the Amateurs

About the Master of the Amateurs

Kai Komulainen ties course record in opening round of Australian Masters of the Am

The Master of the Amateurs, a 72-hole medal play Championship, has rapidly become one of the elite championships in amateur golf. Like The Masters, the champion receives a Green Jacket. Contestants participate in the first round of the championship w...