Carrus Open: Lee takes early lead at Tauranga

Auckland professional Richard Lee has delivered a superb back nine charge to claim the early round one lead of the Carrus Open today at the Tauranga Golf Club.

The 39-year-old, who shot a course record 59 here in 2010, made four twos in a five-under par 29 on the inward nine holes to sign for a six-under par 64 to lead by three with the morning field completed.

The former Japanese Tour professional holds a three shot lead from 10 players in the clubhouse who all carded rounds of three-under par 67 in the fine conditions.

Lee's round was kick-started by an impressive drive to the 280m par four 2nd which lipped out for an albatross and stopped six inches past the hole.

"I made eagle there and I hit a couple of really nice iron shots on the par threes after that and ended up making four twos on the back nine to post a good number," he said.

Lee, who began on the 11th hole, got off to a scratchy start when he missed his first two greens and but he got up and down and started to turn things around.

"My form isn't quite there. I scored well today but I am still not that happy with how I am hitting it."

Meanwhile pre-tournament favourite, Mount Maunganui's Josh Geary, was not happy with his opening two-under par 68 that has him in a share of 12thplace.

Geary, who won by eight shots last year, believed the greens were two-paced in round one.

"There is a huge difference in the speed of them. Some of them are lightening and some of them are pretty slow. It was one of those days. I am still feeling really good about my chances."

Omanu pro James Hamilton shot a solid 67 to lie three-under, with Tauranga's Jared Pender at one-under. Mount Maunganui amateurs Hayden beard and Bailey Smith fared well. Beard shot a one-under 69 with Smith on even-par.