Golf: Superb scoring as honours shared

Three-time champion Josh Geary opened with rounds of two-under 68 to be tied 13th yesterday. Photo / Alan Gibson

Lee and Chandra in impressive tie for early lead at Tauranga

Auckland professional Richard Lee and Fijian professional Vikrant Chandra lead the Carrus Open after a superb day of scoring at the Tauranga Golf Club yesterday.

The 39-year-old Lee claimed the early clubhouse lead when he delivered an impressive back nine charge - he made four twos on his inward nine of five-under par 29 to sign for an impressive 64.

That was matched in the late afternoon sun by the 25-year-old Chandra who made seven birdies and a bogey in his first appearance at the $40,000 Charles Tour event to share the round one honours.

Lee and Chandra hold a one-shot lead over Wellington professional Harry Bateman (65) with another nine players two shots further back after posting rounds of three-under par 67.

Three-time champion Josh Geary and 2012 champion Mark Brown opened with rounds of two-under 68 to be tied 13th while Muriwai Open Champion Ryan Fox is a further shot back in a share of 20th.

Lee, who shot a course record 59 here in 2010, kick-started his round with a drive to the 280m par four 2nd which lipped out for an albatross and stopped only six inches past the hole.

"I made eagle there and I hit a couple of really nice iron shots on the par threes after that. I ended up making four twos on my back nine to post a good number," he said.

Lee, who began on the 11th hole, got off to a "scratchy start" when he missed his first two greens but he got up and down and turned things around.

"My form isn't quite there. I scored well today but I am still not that happy with how I am hitting it."

The former Thailand Open Champion said this Carrus Open was even more important to him considering his lack of tournament play in 2014.

He has qualified for the upcoming Nanshan China Masters on the OneAsia Tour and then the ISPS Perth Invitational after that and wants to play under pressure.

"If you birdie the par threes you normally have a pretty good round. It is nice to get off to a good start."

Also making a good start was Chandra. The rookie professional, who won the Fiji Amateur a record four times in succession, enjoyed his debut round at the Tauranga Golf Club which he described as "really solid".

"I am not a long hitter. I like to shape the ball and I did that today on the par fours and I hit some beautiful iron shots out there. It was pleasing to make a lot of putts."

Leaderboard
64 Richard Lee, Vikrant Chandra
65 Harry Bateman
67 Martin Pettigrew, James Hamilton, Ryan Chisnall, Nick Gillespie, Jamie Anstiss, Mark Purser, Brandon Hodgson, Landyn Edwards, Harry Hillier