Local hope Matt Jones struck a spectator in the head with an errant drive en route to a disappointing five-over-par 76 at the Australian Open on Thursday.

Jones took bogey after striking the fan on the par-4 eighth – his 17th hole of the day after teeing off on the 10th – and then closed with a double-bogey six to fall eight shots off the pace early.

Coming just two days after cricketer Phillip Hughes suffered a life-threatening blow to the head at the nearby SCG, there was initial concern for the fan hit at The Australian course.

Medics were called, but he appeared okay and received a signed ball from the US PGA Tour star.

Jones, who was playing in the marquee morning group alongside Rory McIlroy and Geoff Ogilvy, said such unfortunate incidents were routine for professional golfers and refused to blame the mishap for his late implosion.

“He was fine; he seemed to be fine,” Jones told AAP.

“It happens all the time with us, so you can’t let it affect you. It doesn’t play on your mind.”

A lifelong member of The Australian and regular contender at his national championship in recent years, Jones had been one of the pre-tournament tips to challenge McIlroy and Adam Scott.

But he needs a low round on Friday just to make the halfway cut and he isn’t holding out too much hope.

“I’m not going to bother practising because it’s not working, so I’ll go home and see what happens,” Jones said.

“I’m not playing well, so I wasn’t expecting anything at all anyway.”