Smail leads way at Danny Lee Springfield Open

All is still to play for going into the second day of the 2017 Danny Lee Springfield Open - the annual competition that ends today. PHOTO/FILE

All is still to play for going into the second day of the 2017 Danny Lee Springfield Open.

Walton golfer Charlie Smail holed two approach shots from the fairway during yesterday's afternoon round to set the pace after 36 holes of 54 in the annual Open, at Springfield Golf Club in Rotorua.

The 18 year-old confirmed his golfing pedigree with radar like iron shots on the par 4 8th, holing out for birdie from 110m, and for eagle from 84m on the par 5 11th hole.

Both of Smail's parents are former professional touring players and the plus one handicapper represented Waikato at the recent New Zealand Interprovincial championships.

He shot 67 in the morning round and holds a two shot lead at nine under par going into tomorrow's final 18 holes with Te Puke's Harry Hiller putting together consistent rounds of 66 and 67 to lie in second.

In the women's competition Carmen Lim of Windross Farm leads Christchurch's Jeong Hyun Lee by five shots after yesterday's action following a sensation nine under par day.

Lim carded rounds of 68 and 67. New Zealand representative Chantelle Cassidy had a mixed day while battling a back injury she shot 72 and 69.

Nine locals are amongst the 96-strong field with the top Rotorua golfer at this stage - Rotorua Golf Club's Samuel Wells who is 22nd on four over par.

Leaders will be teeing off about 10am today to get the final 18 holes underway.

-More to come

2017 Danny Lee Springfield Open Scores:

Saturday: Day one, 36 of 54 holes:

Men (par 70)

Charlie Smail (Walton) 67, 64

Harry Hillier (Te Puke) 66, 67

Chris Charlton (Riverside) 69, 68

Women (Par 72)

Carmen Lim (Windross Farm) 68, 67

Jeong Hyun Lee (Christchurch) 69, 71

Chantelle Cassidy (Riverside) 72, 69