The Nelson professional golfer Dominic Barson has forged a three shot lead midway through the Taranaki Open in New Plymouth.
On the second day Barson compiled an even-par 72 at the Ngamotu Links course for a two round total of six-under par.
Fellow Nelson professional Riki Borell put up a one-under 71 to move to three-under for the tournament.
The leading amateur is Taupo's Troy Ropiha who birdied four of the last six holes in his three-under 69.
The leading female is Rotorua's Chantelle Cassidy on seven-over for the tournament after a solid one-over 73.
She leads New Zealand representative Caroline Bon of Whangarei and Titirangi's Jane Lee by two shots.
