Golf: Klein grabs early lead

Josh Geary shot 66 on day one of the Carrus Open but is three shots behind leader David Klein. Photo / John Borren

A former Bay of Plenty junior was the surprise leader after round one of the Carrus Open played at the Tauranga Golf Club yesterday.

Te Anau professional David Klein came home strong in the gusting winds to claim the first round lead in the eighth-annual $40,000 Charles Tour event.

The 22-year-old began on the 11th tee and birdied his final four holes to card a seven-under par 63 and earn a one shot lead from Troy Ropiha, who eagled the par four third hole on his way to a superb 64. Peter Spearman-Burn, two-time champion Josh Geary, Kieran Muir and Richard Lee all shot four-under 66.

Local amateurs Sam Davis (Tauranga) and Hayden Beard (Mount Maunganui) are both in the top 10 after excellent rounds of two-under 68.

Klein struggled early on and says he was lucky to still be on even par after his first seven holes before two booming drives changed his momentum.

"I didn't hit it very good at all to be honest. I scrambled to make pars and even when I birdied 18 it was nothing flash," said Klein. "One was a pretty bad hole and even the birdies on two and three there was nothing going on. The thing that made it happen was the driver which I put on the green on two and three for two putt birdies. The last four holes I played really, really good golf and birdied the final four holes."

Tournament favourite Geary summed up how testing the gusting wind made the scoring.

"I think it is the hardest I have seen this course play today, within reason," said the Tauranga professional.

"The rough is up, and it is playing quite long because it's quite soft, the wind was strong and gusting so it was a bit of a nightmare to be honest."

The 28-year-old grew up in Tauranga and was content with his four-under par 66 as he hunts for his third title in three attempts at the local course.

"I played pretty good. The back nine was a bit iffy I had a double bogey and a two bogeys but that is going to happen in these conditions. Three shots around here is nothing. I am happy with that start. I played good early on I got it to five-under par through eight holes so I feel like the game is good shape. It is all there."

"I love playing around home. Staying at home for a change at a tournament is a nice feeling and there are a few familiar faces around which is nice."

The women's field was led by Jenna Hunter and Tyla Kingi on one-over par, one shot ahead of Sai Ma, Mun Chin Keh and Joanna Kim.