Stacked leaderboard sets up exciting week at Akarana Open

The 2018 Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open has been dealt an exciting looking leaderboard with European Tour player Josh Geary leading the way alongside Brad Shilton at six-under par (64).

They hold a one-shot lead over a high-quality chasing pack, but Geary who won here in 2014 showed why he feels more than comfortable here with a whopping 10 birdies mixed with a disappointing four bogeys.

This is the start of a busy run for the 33-year-old who travels to Spain straight after his final putt drops which will most likely be late on Sunday afternoon if he continues this run of form.

"Ive put a lot of hard work in over the last two or three weeks, so it was nice to get some validation of what I have been doing and hit some nice shots," said Geary.

"I will be finishing here and straight off to the airport, off to Madrid with the Spanish Open next week and hopefully get in to the Moroccan Open the following week."

Not only does the former champion feel comfortable here, but he is pleased to be back on the national circuit which plays a vital role in his preparation to take on the worlds best.

"Ive shot some good numbers around this course and have some good memories of 2014 and I like the course and when Im playing well it kind of suits me.

Ive had a month off since the New Zealand Open and its tough going in cold to a European Tour event, so its great to play these events at home on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour and get your game sharp before you go."

Shilton has also enjoyed time away from the game which has clearly helped after signing for a blemish free round with a care-free attitude.

"I havent hit a practise ball properly since Janurary the fifth, so there are no expectations and just go play, some days it works, some days it doesnt," smiled Shilton.

"I have done well at this event in the past, but havent won it but the course is in good shape and its good fun out here."

Hot on their heels is six-time Jennian Homes Charles Tour champion and 2017 New Zealand Open champion, Michael Hendry who is joined by Mr Consistent Harry Bateman at five-under par.

Hendry made three birdies in the last three holes to rocket to the top of the morning field as he starts his quest to go one better than last year after losing in an enthralling four-hole playoff to Gareth Paddison.

With this bunch of players and many more such as Daniel Pearce, Richard Lee and Kevin Koong in the mix at three-under, the Barfoot & Thompson Akarana has been blessed with a superb leaderboard which will certainly bring in the crowds this weekend with hospitality surrounding the picturesque 18th green.

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Aucklands Vivian Lu has taken control in the womens field after a scintillating round of seven-under par to lead the Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open by five shots on day dot.

Her round of 65 was sparked into life with an eagle on the par five seventh, coupled with six birdies throughout the day.

Lu who is on the fringe of the Toro Interprovincial top five, showed she can step up on the big stage, but will be hoping to continue it throughout the week.

"It was an awesome round and it felt pretty good," said the softly spoked Lu.

This dominant day has set up her tournament and if she is to continue her rich vein of from, which came as a slight shock to her, the engravers may be able to clock off early as she aims to win her maiden Jennian Homes Charles Tour event.

"This was definitely a bit of a shock and is one of my best rounds ever, so Im very happy that it happened today."

Someone who may argue with this is 2016 champion Brittney Dryland who is in second place and clearly has had success here by winning her maiden Jennian Homes Charles Tour title.

Her recent consistency has been rewarded after being selected in the Queen Sirikit Cup team earlier this week and if she can build on todays solid round of two-under par, she may be a threat once again in 54-holes time.

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