Hillier lights up Muriwai Open

Power, water and reception were nowhere to be seen at the Autex Muriwai Open before New Zealands leading amateur, Daniel Hillier lit up the morning to find himself at the top of the leaderboard with a round of four-under par (68) in challenging West Coast conditions.

This is not the first time we have seen Hillier in control on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour, however it has been a long time since his maiden victory at the Harewood Open in 2015.

An eagle on the par five 12th from 30 feet sparked his round early in the day, but it was his patience which kept him in control with two late birdies to secure a two-shot lead entering the second round.

"Im very pleased, I came off a pretty slow first round last week at Akarana and I knew it was going to be a challenging day in the wind, so I made sure I kept it in play and took advantage of the par fives that were all down wind," said Hillier.

"My game was solid overall today and I managed to hole a couple of good putts and made a nice up and down on 18 which was a crucial moment."

Although he hasnt won on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour in some time, he has had no lack of winning experience or being in contention. One of his most memorable was finishing lead amateur (T23) at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open for the second time in March this year.

With three more rounds to go, Hillier will have to do this the hard way with some classy competitors breathing down his neck, led by defending champion, Gareth Paddison who looked more than comfortable during his round of two-under par.

He is joined at the same number by New Zealand Academy member, Luke Brown who has returned from injury in style with four birdies in his final five holes, utilizing his local knowledge. Also in the hunt at two-under is new professional Ryan Chisnall and returning Kiwi Campbell Rawson.

FULL LEADERBOARD

New Zealands newest China Tour womens professional Munchin Keh, has showed her class to take control in the womens field with a solid round of one-under, 71 to lead by two, over Jenna Hunter with Brittney Dryland and Jessica Green a further three shots back.

This is her first Jennian Homes Charles Tour event as a professional as she looks to capture her fifth career victory at this level which would be her third here at the Autex Muriwai Open.

With this proven success here at Muriwai and securing her full China Tour card last year, Keh is on a high and happy to be back in New Zealand.

"Its always good to be playing back in New Zealand on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour and at Muriwai, which is what Ive missed," said Keh.

"Its definitely different, a lot windier than what we are used to over in Asia, but I was striking the driver well today and played some smart golf which helped.

"Last year was awesome after getting my full China Tour card, so this year I will be playing in all the starts apart from the two LPGA Tour events, other than that Ive got a full season ahead which Im looking forward to."

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Mother nature is currently winning the tournament overall, with reception and data still unavailable at the course. The club has handled the scenario very well after hiring a generator to get food, power and water running again.

The weather continues to make things more difficult and its not expected to change tomorrow with strong winds and squally showers expected to challenge the countrys best once again from 7:15am.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ