Golf: John Daly caused much consternation in the build up to this week's Sportsbet Australian Masters and today the burly American failed to make an impact - signing for an opening 76 - as violent electrical storms across the Huntingdale venue became the theme.

On the eve of the event respected Australian Stuart Appleby let rip at tournament organisers for their decision to grant Daly, a two-time major winner but 692nd ranked player in the world, an invite.

"He is a walking train wreck and I guess people turn their heads to watch the train wreck," said Appleby.

"It's symptomatic of world golf, because he still runs around the world. He's in Europe, he's in Asia, he's in Australia. It's not like we're desperate. Everybody's doing the same thing. John Daly is unique.

"We only wish that, as players, we wish he'd put a little more time into his game instead of ruining his personal life. He would be a draw card, not just a freak show. I don't think he is here because of his world ranking."

The 42-year-old Daly, who has endured a long and well-publicised problem with alcohol, has had an ill-starred relationship with the game in Australia, having twice been disqualified in tournaments for failing to sign his scorecard.

However, David Rollo, spokesman for the tournament, denied reports that Daly is receiving a hefty appearance fee, although his travel expenses have been met. The American no longer has a PGA Tour or European Tour card and is reliant on invitations.

"John's here because he wants to be here. We took the sponsors' temperature on it before we sent the invitation. But we're not in the business of stopping players from playing and John wanted to play," he said, adding, "and he has created a lot of interest."

Daly shot a final-round eight-under-par 62 at last week's Hong Kong Open to share of 17th place and later said "maybe I can still play a bit".

Today's first round was delayed for almost three hours due to the storms before Florida-based Queenslander Scott Hend and South African Tim Clark assumed the overnight lead on five under after their opening 67s

Hailstones, lightning and a succession of heavy showers pummelled the course but after break Clark picked up two strokes when he returned to complete his final four holes.

"Obviously the wind was a lot calmer and from a different direction and the greens had softened up so it was a totally different course," Clark said.

"It was tough this morning with the wind but I was happy with how I was playing this morning, too, so overall, I'll take that score."

The highlight of Clark's earlier exploits was a pair of eagles at the 535 yard par five seventh, and the 495 yard par five tenth, both of which were playing downwind and ripe for the picking.

"I had two eagles all year on the US PGA Tour so that was quite a shock for me, but downwind they were reachable and that was where you had to make your score up on a day like this," he said.

A total of 48 players must complete their unfinished first rounds tomorrow morning.

Australians Anthony Brown and Michael Wright and England's Daniel Wardrop, who completed rounds of 69, share third.

Ballyclare's Gareth Maybin is the sole Irish competitor in the field and he signed for an opening five over 77.