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Spieth opens Aussie Open defense with 71

Jordan Spieth began defense of his Australian Open title with an even-par 71 at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney.

Starting on the 10th hole, Spieth played his first nine holes in 2 under, then reversed the trend with a 2-over second nine.

"The hard part for me is that I was at 2 under," Spieth said. "To finish at even, that's poor because I still could've gotten in at even par on the back nine. But it is what it is - I'm still at even and I'm still in this golf tournament."

Among the morning wave, Spieth's round left him five shots behind early leader Lincoln Tighe of Australia, who shot a 5-under 66.