Golf: Rookie Gates shows his intent

Robert Gates hit six birdies in a round of 67 yesterday at the New Zealand Open. Photo / Getty Images

US golfer Robert Gates hasn't had to look far for quality advice at the New Zealand Open.

The 24-year-old rookie remained atop the leaderboard after the second round of the US$600,000 ($850,000) Nationwide Tour event in idyllic conditions at The Hills yesterday after posting a five-under 67 to complement his opening effort of 65.

The tall Texan has delivered an emphatic statement at the midway point of his first appearance as a member of the second tier circuit in the United States.

Due to his greenness, Gates thinks it only natural that nerves will play a role over the weekend but it is an anxiety he welcomes.

"It is an opportunity to learn how to manage that. I'll learn to do the best I can each day."

At his side this week has been Lauren Johnson, his caddie and girlfriend who just happens to work as an instructor at Massengale Golf Academy outside of Houston.

She has played her part, too, offering a quiet word here or there whenever Gates has wanted help to read a putt on the 6610m, par-72 championship layout which was bathed in sunshine throughout yesterday although a cooling southerly breeze arrived in the middle of the afternoon to at least offer the galleries some respite.

Their partnership has worked a treat as Gates held his rivals at bay, with Australian Andrew Dodt tucked in one shot back on 133 after posting 68, although fellow-first round leader David Smail, of New Zealand, lost ground in a big way after turning in a 74, a swing of nine shots on his performance a day earlier.

American DJ Brigman, 66, was alone in third on 135, one ahead of compatriots Kevin Chappell, 66, and Darron Stiles, winner of the 2008 New Zealand PGA Championship, who managed 69.

New Zealand's Phil Tataurangi moved in the right direction, a 68 thrusting him from 22nd equal to a tie for sixth on 137 with seven others - American Martin Piller, 66, the runnerup here last year, Canadian Jon Mills, 69, and Australians Ryan Haller, 70, Jarrod Lyle, 68, Michael Curtain, 68, Matthew Griffin, 67, and Scott Gardiner, 67.

Tataurangi had a minor advisory role in developing jeweller Michael Hill's private course, which opened in 2007, and could not envisage the course being more vulnerable to low scoring.

"This golf course can't play any easier," he said after pocketing five birdies before coughing up a stroke back at the final hole.

Bay of Plenty's Brad Iles and Josh Geary also aided their cause, posting 67 and 69, respectively, to sit 14th equal on six-under 138.

The second round cut was made at two-under 142, leaving Wellington left-hander Gareth Paddison to play the weekend as well after he squeaked in right on the number after shooting 70, where he will be joined by American Jason Gore.

Gore also finished on 142 when he birdied the last after mailing an approach from thick rough to within tap-in range at the tough 18th hole to end with 72.

Included among those to have the weekend off are experienced New Zealanders Grant Waite, Steve Alker and 2003 champion Mahal Pearce, while Australian notables Peter Lonard, Peter Senior and Craig Parry can all arrange early flights home.

Gates' progress here has been quite remarkable for a young man with just one season on the low-key Canadian tour behind him.

He has been unable to mask the enjoyment factor, either, as things continued to fall his way after a round containing six birdies and one bogey.

"I am excited to have put myself into a position to have a great weekend," Gates said.

"I have been hitting a lot of great shots and sank some good putts today.

"I had a couple of bad iron shots but still managed to get up and down. I'm really excited and learning as I go."

LEADERBOARD

Robert Gates (US) 132
Andrew Dodt (Australia) 133
DJ Brigman (US) 135

- NZPA