Golf: Michael Long shares early lead in Nationwide Tour event

New Zealand golfer Michael Long shares the early lead in the latest tournament on the second-tier Nationwide golf tour in the United States.

Long shot a nine-under par opening round in the Chatttanooga Classic in Tennessee to be tied with Chris Anderson from the United States.

They are two shots clear of their nearest rivals.

Another Kiwi, Steve Alker, was in the middle of the field after carding a two-under round while the event also marked Phil Tataurangi's return to competition in the US.

Tataurangi, coming back from a lengthy recovery from a back injury, fired an even-par 72 and looks set to need a big improvement in the second round to make the cut.

- Newstalk ZB and HERALD STAFF