New Zealand women's amateur representative Sarah Nicholson turned heads by snatching the second-round lead in the $40,000 Wairakei Open near Taupo yesterday.
Nicholson, of Wellington, fired a five-under 67 for a 36-hole total of six-under 138, one shot ahead of Hamilton amateur Mark Purser and Manawatu professional Andrew McNair.
The
Wairakei Open is part of the Golf Tour New Zealand which was established to provide opportunities for young professionals and amateurs.
Nicholson, 21, is part of the New Zealand team using the event to prepare for next month's world amateur teams championship in South Africa. She was two-under at the turn before making four birdies in five holes.
A bogey on the final hole cost her the chance to equal the men's course record.
"It feels amazing to lead a tournament against men and professionals," Nicholson said.
"We are playing off the women's tees though, to be fair. It felt easy today. I wish it was like that every round. I hit the ball well and made a lot of putts."
The tour's founder, Greg Turner, said he was thrilled with Nicholson's performance.
"This is exactly one of the reasons we established this concept. It gives a chance for our elite players, whether they be male or female, pro or amateur, to test themselves against each other."
Purser, second overnight after a first round of 68, shot 71 to move to five-under, while McNair was the best of the afternoon scorers with 69 to go with his first round of 70.
Four players share fourth place on 140, including professionals Doug Holloway, Tony Christie and first round leader Scott Overend, as well as amateur Mark Boe.
Teenage amateur Danny Lee rushed up the leaderboard with a 67, the day's low-round that he shared with Boe, to earn a share of eighth place on 141.
Australian-based professional Martin Pettigrew was in 10th place with Queenstown pro Chris Judd and Auckland amateur Ben Davies.
Only 13 players are on par or better, with 61 players making the 36-hole cut at 10-over 154.
- NZPA
