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Spieth shows rust on Day 1 of Australian Open title defense

Brett Hemmings / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It had been seven weeks since Jordan Spieth hit a competitive golf shot, and it showed on Day 1 of the Australian Open.

Spieth opened with a bogey-bogey start to his title defense down under, but eventually settled into his round, dropping a 20-foot birdie putt at the last hole to post a 1-under-par 70 at The Australian Golf Club.

"A bit inconsistent," the 24-year-old American told reporters after the round. "I made ... I think five bogeys today, but to shoot under par with that is really good. There was quite a bit of good after a rough start. This is actually the longest time I've had between tournaments since college. Even last year here was a week less. I was kinda anxious to get started."

Spieth made his first start since helping the U.S. retain the Presidents Cup in October. He trails Australian Cameron Davis by seven shots heading into the second round.

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