Golf: 13-year-old Joshua Bai stuns professionals at Akarana Open in Auckland

Joshua Bai. Photo / NZ Golf

A 13-year-old New Zealand golfing prodigy is making his mark against some of New Zealand's best male players at the Akarana Open in Auckland.

Joshua Bai carded a stunning five-under 65 in his second round on Friday, including holing out on the 18th, to jump 14 spots into a share of fifth for the tournament, at seven-under par.

Bai is tied with Michael Hendry, and a shot ahead of Gareth Paddison and a slew of other recognised Kiwi golfers, on a course in which only 32 players are under par through two rounds.

Bai has long been seen as one of New Zealand's top golfing prospects, having claimed victory at the US Kids Golf World Championships as an 11-year old, and claiming the IMG World Junior Championship last year.

But, to be not only mixing it with the best, but beating experienced players 30 years his senior, is possibly Bai's most impressive showing to date.

Bai will play alongside 2016 New Zealand Open champion Hendry in one of the leading groups on Saturday, just two years after he enjoyed a 'fan photo' with the champion at the same tournament.

All smiles and for good reason as Akarana's very own Joshua Bai holes out on the 18th hole to sit at -7 par for the tournament and in T3!!!

Let's not forget, JB is just 13-years-old 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

Leaderboard 📲 https://t.co/dHN4IQRUqd @AkaranaGolf pic.twitter.com/7ULNygokhh

— Golf New Zealand (@golfnewzealand_) April 5, 2019

Josh Geary leads the tournament by three strokes at 13-under, with James Anstiss in second place.

Geary barely got out of first gear as he backed up his day one total of 63 with another bogey-free 64 which included three birdies in a row to kick-start his back nine.

"I hit it nice again today which was pleasing and putted a bit better even though a few didn't go in but it puts me in good stead for the weekend," said Geary.

"It's a good sign the fact there are still a few more shots left out there which means I'm playing well, so hopefully they come in the weekend. This is a course where you need to keep the foot down, so I will be aiming for plenty more birdies over the weekend."

Bai is not the only youngster shining in Akarana, with 12-year-old Eunseo Choi leading the women's tournament.

While the women's field doesn't quite have the big names of the men's, Choi's feats are similarly impressive, having followed her opening round four-under 67 with a one-over 73 to lead by three strokes over Caryn Khoo.