Rickie Fowler leads the Australian PGA Championships Queensland Golf American Rickie Fowler has taken the lead PGA Royal Pines Gold Coast. Photo: Chris Hyde American Rickie Fowler has carved up the Royal Pines front nine to take the clubhouse lead at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast. Fowler started his round off the 10th and went out in 34, before catching fire down the stretch with six birdies in nine holes to finish his opening round with an eight-under 63. Fowler steadily built his round but has been frustrated during recent Asian tournaments with his inability to put all aspects of his game together on the one day. It seemed it may happen again before Fowler birdied six of his final eight holes to stake an early claim. Gold Coast local Matthew Ballard was one shot back on minus seven after 17 holes, with Nathan Green (-5) and Justin Norris (-4) both safely in the clubhouse after solid starts. Adam Scott teed off just after midday local time, with large galleries at Royal Pines to follow the Masters champion.