Golf: Hole in one for New Zealander Perry

Matthew Perry. Photo / Glenn Taylor.

The European team will take a two-point advantage over Asia Pacific into day two of the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy in Portugal after winning day one by a margin of 6-4.

Europe dominated the morning foursomes, winning by a margin of 4-1, but the Asia Pacific team fought back in the afternoon to win the fourball by 3-2 and close the gap to two points.

The New Zealand pair of Mathew Perry and Ben Campbell, both making their debut in the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy, had a day of mixed fortunes at the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club.

Campbell and Perry teamed up in the foursomes and were defeated 4 and 3 by Rhys Enoch (Wales) and Alan Dunbar (Ireland).

The pairings were mixed up for the afternoon fourball with Campbell teaming up with Australian Jake Higginbottom. They were unlucky to lose their match 1down.

While Perry, the 2011 New Zealand amateur champion, teamed up with Aussie Cameron Smith and they recorded a vital 2 and 1 win.

Perry was proud of his performance at the Jack Nicklaus designed course which had one very special highlight.

"I made a hole in one from on the 187m par 3 14th with a four iron," said the 24-year-old Perry.

"We finished our match on eight under par and it was good to get back into the match.

"The fourball was a better effort winning by a 3-2 score line and closing the gap to 6-4 in the match.

"We are looking to catch up in the foursomes in the morning and hopefully continue our good form in the fourball."

Perry has been impressed by the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club, the first of its kind in the Algarve.

"It's rated the No1 course in Portugal and designed by Jack Nicklaus. It's a very demanding golf course and a good test for an event like this."

The Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy is a match play championship between elite amateurs from Europe against counterparts from Asia Pacific region and is played over three days.

The first two days of the tournament comprise of five foursomes and five four-ball matches, with all 12 players from each team then competing in singles Match Play on the final day.