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.

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.

Home contender Lucas Herbert left compatriot Cameron Smith in his wake once again with a sparkling 63 that earned him a one-shot lead after the opening round of the Australian Open on Thursday, with his LIV team captain two shots off the pace.

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