Golf: Field struggles in tough conditions at Open

Mitchell Brown of Australia plays out of a bunker during day two of the New Zealand Open. Photo / Getty Images

Golf is stocked with quaint theories and mysterious regulations.

Both were examined yesterday in the NZ Open as the Clearwater course continued its armlock over most of the 144 players in the field.

Only 13 players are under par heading into the final two rounds this weekend.

The sport has long held an idea that Saturday is moving day in tournament play but, on the evidence of this event, that will be a few steps forward and several back for most of the field.

Conditions yesterday were kinder than they were on opening day, with more than a quarter of the field finding red numbers. But there was still plenty of ordinary work being done around those achievements.

Australian professional Brad McIntosh claimed the best round of the day with a six under 66 while his seasoned countryman Craig Parry birdied the last three holes to tie the lead.

He had a new set of clubs in his bag and felt comfortable tee-to-green, though not quite so certain with his putting.

Teenage Rotorua amateur Peter Lee was disqualified because of his clubs.

Lee birdied two of his last four holes, thinking he had qualified inside the six over cut-line, but he was disqualified because the grooves on his wedges did not conform to the new rules.

Meanwhile, Parry battled to unlock the secrets of the sloping greens.

"The flags were in difficult places," he said.

Parry was stung when he bogeyed the 15th, but rattled home with three finishing birdies to join fellow Australian Brad Kennedy and Josh Geary in the leading group.

Parry has played little this year and, when asked about his strategy, the former champion said he would be content to perform well.

"The only advantage I've got over the other guys is I have already won a New Zealand Open so the pressure is on them versus me," Parry said.

He was excited to be in contention again but realistic about his chances.

David Smail started the Kiwi charge and his own recovery with a four under 68 to make the cut while playing partner Michael Campbell's game withered once more.

He began bogey, bogey and battled on to finish 120th.

Geary held his game together late to sign for a 68 and join Parry and Kennedy in the lead.

Geary had six birdies and two bogeys in his round, getting off to a fast start and then holding on as he battled the frisky easterlies.

His tee shots were solid and he felt his game showed improvement.

"I was more patient, that was my strategy. You have got to be wary."

Geary used a conservative gameplan in the opening two rounds and held his game together to miss just one green in the back nine.

He finished second at Clearwater in the 2009 PGA and, while the course was not one of his favourites, its charm was growing on him.

If the wind stayed the same at the weekend, Geary would keep his strategy.

"If it blows up there will be big swings and big scores," he predicted.