The big-hitting New South Wales golfer Kurt Barnes takes a one shot lead into today's second round of the New Zealand PGA Championship in Christchurch after threatening the course record yesterday with an 8-under par 64.
In ideal conditions at Clearwater with little wind and soft greens, Barnes had an eagle and seven birdies to end the day one stroke clear of the little known Victorian Ryan Hammond whose round included a run of six birdies. The third year professional had the outright lead at 9 under par until he bogeyed two of his last four holes.
The leading New Zealander is the Wellington left hander Gareth Paddison who's tied for 5th after a 67, his lowest score for some time. David Smail is on 68, Richard Lee and Steven Alker 69, Philip Tataurangi and Brad Shilton 70 and 18 year old Danny Lee had a 71.
Nearly half the field broke par.
