Golf: Lee off pace at Buick Open

New Zealand golfer Danny Lee was well off the pace at the Buick Open in the United States today.

The 19-year-old rookie professional carded a two-over-par 74 in the opening round of the PGA Tour event at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

That left him in a share of 141st place in the 155-strong field, 11 strokes behind the leader, American Steve Lowery.

Lee traded three birdies with five bogeys in a mixed round, including dropped shots on his closing two holes.

Meanwhile, on the Nationwide tour, kiwi golfer Phil Tataurangi has made an encouraging start to the Children's Hospital Invitational tournament, in Columbus, Ohio.

He shot an opening round of four-under-par 67 to earn a share of second place.

Tataurangi was one shot behind the leader, American Justin Bolli.

The NZer dropped only one stroke today to go alongside five birdies, while compatriot Grant Waite also impressed with a 69 to sit in 13th equal place.

Four New Zealanders are in the field, with Brad Iles posting a two-over 73 and Steve Alker 75.

- NZPA