Barson bolts into the lead

Local professional Dominic Barson has bolted into the lead after shooting a magical round of eight-under par (64) at the Augusta Funds Management, Taranaki Open presented by PipeTech.

After what was shaping up to be a quiet day, once again another local lad finds himself up the top of the leaderboard following Grant Moorheads first round lead on the opening event of the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

Barson was some-what surprised with his efforts today, however he knows the course well as he plys his trade in the New Plymouth Golf Club pro shop, so once again the Taranaki faithful will leave with smiles on their faces.

In what was an extremely dominant round of golf Barson also tied the course record, but with clean and place being forced into action, this will not be counted for the record books.

He was still very pleased with the rounds and open to what is to come over the next two rounds.

"Awesome day, feels good and hit a lot of shots close which helps and Im certainly not complaining. I have no expectations of holding onto the lead, but if it happens it happens, if it doesnt it doesnt."

His round kicked into gear with a hole-out eagle on the long par five ninth to finish with a total of seven birdies, an eagle and a frustrating slip up on the 18th hole for a bogey finish.

Although shooting the lights out today, the 43-year-old is far from getting ahead of himself as he feels this is a one off occasion after being asked if he can maintain his form throughout the weekend.

"I cant maintain it for the weekend, I know its hard to believe but I honestly dont know where its going. I know it went straight today but I dont know whether its going 40 yards left or right!" smiled Barson.

Just one shot behind our new leader in outright second is Kerry Mountcastle who shot a five-under round of 67 to cruise into contention.

"It feels great as I have never been in this position. This is my fourth Jennian Homes Charles Tour event so its very pleasing to be in the mix," said Mountcastle.

"Conditions were great and the course was awesome. I started a little slow but stayed patient and built my round up nicely. I just have to keep putting good, keep rolling that ball but I have also made some good 10-15 footers in the first two days which has helped quite a lot."

Mountcastle is currently training to be an electrician working 40 hour weeks and got the nod from the boss to have the week off which seems to have been worthwhile thus far.

First round leader Grant Moorhead remains in touch and sits two shots back of Barson as he too looks to claim his home title.

Its a tight affair in the womens field with four players within two shots of each other. Currently sharing the lead is Brittney Dryland and Tyla Kingi who have been in control and looking solid over the first two rounds. They are followed closely by North Harbour's Ella Grimwood who is just one shot back.

It will be very interesting to see who can take control on moving day and with Chantelle Cassidy only two shots back and yet to fire, its going to be an exciting weekend.

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