Golf: Smail and Lee best of Kiwis at Clearwater

New Zealand's David Smail shot a four-under 68 to sit in a tie for fourth midway through the opening day of the NZ PGA Championship at Christchurch's Clearwater Resort today.

Australian Kurt Barnes led the field late in his opening round, currently eight-under through 15 holes.

Australia's Alistair Presnell, American Josh Teater and Sweden's Jonas Blixt are the early clubhouse leaders, one stroke ahead of Smail at five-under.

Of the other New Zealanders of note who have finished their rounds today, Richard Lee hit a three-under 69, Phil Tataurangi is a shot further back and World Amateur Champion Danny Lee made a modest start, carding a one-under 71, currently placing him in a tie for 26th.

- NEWSTALK ZB