Australian golfer Aaron Baddeley is tied for fourth after the opening round of the US PGA Memorial Tournament in Ohio.
Aaron Baddeley spent extra time in practice this week and the hard work appears to have paid off.
After a few disappointing results and with the US Open on the near horizon, Baddeley realised it was time to knuckle down.
The additional work resulted in a much-needed three-under-par 69 in the opening round of the US PGA Memorial Tournament, leaving the Victorian tied fourth just three shots off the pace.
American Scott Stallings (66) leads at six-under - one clear of countrymen Spencer Levin (67) and double heart transplant recipient Erik Compton (67).
Following his weekend crash in the Masters, Baddeley missed two cuts and placed no higher than a tie for 63rd in four events.
It's not the type of golf he wants to play and, after coach Dale Lynch pointed out a few technical issues, the 31-year-old went to work. On Tuesday, he spent almost all day working on every aspect of his game, particularly reducing wrist hinge at the top of his swing.
He backed it up with another focused day on Wednesday but he didn't want a medal for his time, knowing most golfers work hard and you get out what you put in.
"It was probably a touch extra but, more importantly, it was more focused," Baddeley said modestly.
"I had a purpose with every shot and, rather than just hitting balls, I was really homing in on some things.
"I obviously want to play well this week but my thoughts are also on the next few weeks and the US Open.
"Hopefully, I am heading in the right direction and the work pays off."
Baddeley's round could have been better if not for some rotten bounces off trees and cart paths. His only dropped shots came when his ball bounced wildly off a path and out of bounds on the 14th leading to a double bogey.
"I couldn't believe that thing was out of bounds," he said.
"From where the ball landed to where it finished was like 20 yards difference.
"But you always get your good breaks and bad breaks unfortunately in this game so, hopefully for the rest of the week, I get a few more good ones.
"Today was a good start. I hit a bunch of good shots and made some great saves. It is a step forward."
Adam Scott (70) was the next best of the Australians joining Tiger Woods in a tie for 11th. Greg Chalmers and Geoff Ogilvy fired 71s to be just five off the lead while Rod Pampling and Marc Leishman are at even-par 72.
Robert Allenby (73), Jason Day (74), Nick O'Hern (74), John Senden (77), Stuart Appleby (77) and Bryden Macpherson (79) all failed to break par and will need improvement to make the weekend.
Phil Mickelson withdrew after a poor 79, citing fatigue.
