Golf: Ratcliffe surprise four-shot leader

Nine-hole blitz, including a hole in one, by Waikato pro Jim Cusdin has him heading the challengers. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Auckland amateur Jonathon Ratcliffe is the surprise leader at the halfway stage of the Port Taranaki Open after a superb six-under 66 has him leading Waikato pro Jim Cusdin by four shots.

The 18-year-old from the Akarana Golf Club, who opened with a five-under 67, was the least experienced of the four players in a share of the lead but it didn't show as he made two early birdies to keep pace.

But the magic came on the back nine where his precise shot-making set up five birdies punctuated by his only bogey of the tournament on the 12th. Ratcliffe is playing the golf of his life and loving every minute of it.

"I am shocked ... it's a really nice surprise," said Ratcliffe after walking off the 18th with a big grin.

"I never thought I would be in this position but everything seems to be working for me. It has been really enjoyable so far and I hope that continues tomorrow."

Ratcliffe admitted to a few nerves ahead of the second round as he found himself in the spotlight.

"There was pressure there for sure. This is a whole new experience for me but the whole time today I was focused on staying calm and I worked on my breathing to stay in the moment and not get too far ahead of myself."

With bad weather forecast for tomorrow two rounds will be played today to ensure the tournament is completed as a 72-hole strokeplay event.

"It is going to be a challenge playing 36 holes in a day and I am sure the guys are going to attack my lead. I just have to keep doing what I am doing."

Earlier, Cusdin, who is aiming to win consecutive Charles Tour titles, was the talking point.

The Carrus Tauranga Open champion, who teed off on the 10th, was five over after his first nine holes and then came home with a sparkling seven-under 29 to post the then clubhouse lead at seven under par.

"It was unreal golf," said the 26-year-old.

Cusdin made bogeys on 11, 17 and 18 and a double on 12 to be five over at the turn. He turned it around with birdies at 1, 3 and 5 before making back to back eagles on 6 (hole in one) and 7.

"I was in a bad position after making some really stupid mistakes on my front nine so I stopped and had a few words with myself.

"The first goal was to get back to even par but it ended up being a ridiculous round of golf where everything started going in."

The standout was an ace at the signature par 3 6th at Ngamotu.

Cusdin hit a full eight iron to 160m and watched it come back off the slope for the second hole in one of his golf career.

Defending champion Troy Ropiha was disappointed with his two-under 70 that got him to six under for the tournament and five shots back from the lead.