Spain’s Joel Moscatel is the opening round leader at the Australian PGA

There’s not many players ranked outside the top 1000 who could say they did what a Spanish bolter did in Brisbane.

Joel Moscatel of Spain is leading the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

One round doesn’t win a tournament.

But little-known Spaniard Joel Moscatel, ranked an eye-watering 1162 in the world, is eyeing a “life-changing” win in Brisbane after coming from the clouds to shoot a course-record equalling round of 63 on the opening day of the Australian PGA Championship.

The 25-year-old secured his spot in the field at Royal Queensland at DP World Tour qualifying school, where he missed earning full-time playing status by a single shot in heartbreaking fashion.

But by making the cut there he was guaranteed a start in the $2 million PGA and put that disappointment behind him nailing eight birdies in his bogey-free round which matched the course record set by Jed Morgan on his way to the title in January, 2022.

Joel Moscatel plays a shot on the 18th hole. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Upstaging the likes of major champions Adam Scott, Cam Smith and Ryder Cup hero Robert Macintyre, the Spaniard said the course suited his playing style, exciting him for what’s to come.

“It’s different … I like the course,” he said.

“I like that it’s long. You have to hit a lot of drives, and at the same time the second shots are difficult because the greens are slopey and small.

“It was so fun ... nothing (there was no secret); it was a crazy day, we were so present.

“I didn’t know what was the record, we just played our golf.”

Joel Moscatel with his caddie in Brisbane. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Reward for victory in Brisbane would be that elusive tour card he missed out, as well as the prize money, ensuring Moscatel’s focus won’t waver after exceeding all expectations on Thursday.

“Obviously it’s life-changing, coming from a satellite tour,” Moscatel said.

“I know it (the prize) but we still have to play three more days of golf.

“(But) … there’s a lot of golf to play, and we will see what will be.”

Moscatel said he had always admired Scott, who looms three shots behind after an opening round of 66.

“I was fan of his. I’m still a fan of his. (He is) so classy, so nice ... but at the same time I have to play my golf because we are competing here.”