Golf: Final NZ Open qualifying spots found

Spectators watch during day four of the New Zealand Open at The Hills Golf Club. Photo / Getty Images

Some 26 golfers from across the country have just made their way into final qualifying for the 2016 BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open in Queenstown to be hosted by The Hills and Millbrook.

Christchurch Golf Club played host to the first of the qualifying series where six players were able to take a step closer to the biggest event in the country.

John Bae, Tom Parker, Oscar Cadenhead, Nic Kay, Richard Reed and Kazuma Kobori completed the top six at Christchurch Golf Club.

Bae carded the only under par round of the day which enabled him to sit in comfort as many other golfers waited nervously for the results to come in.

Chisholm Park in Dunedin witnessed much better scoring and, with only four positions available, it was certainly required.

Nick Borren was the lowest of the day shooting a dominant 66 on his way to the top. Borren has been in fine form recently after having a successful Toro Interprovincial's campaign where his Otago team sadly fell short in the final.

Others to qualify included his Toro team mate, Duncan Croudis, who was also impressive handing in a four under 68.

Michael Smith and Scott Hellier were the final two to make the cut and will be looking to push on in the next stage and hopefully earn the chance to enjoy the short and beautiful drive across to Queenstown next month.

All over New Zealand the weather seemed to turn it on for these tournaments and for Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club to have a calm day will confirm that.

Peter Brinsdon of Shandon Golf Club topped the leaderboard shooting 68 which was three shots ahead of his nearest rival. Brinsdon will be playing in the New Zealand Men's Senior's Championship later this week as he looks to build on his current form.

Camera Elers and Regan McConaghty completed the top three, both carding 71.

Titirangi Golf Club in Auckland was the final destination for the pre-qualifiers and provided the opportunity for 12 golfers to advance to the next stage.

Mason Lee of The Grange Golf Club took the honours with a round of 68 and takes one step closer to playing in the marquee event.

The big bunch joining Lee in taking a step in the right direction was Kevin Koong, Cameron Leigh, Nathan Kim, Henry Spring, Tommy Liu, Kyle Wong, Mark Hutson, Johnny Ratcliffe, Harry Hillier, Johnny Tynan, James Hydes and Sean Tan.

For these golfers there is one more chance to make the cut for the BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open. From this group just eight players will be booking their tickets to Queenstown to play the game they love in Michael Hills' back yard.