Golf: Fired-up Kendall proves impressive at Bridge Pa

Brad Kendall fought back from an opening double bogey to take the lead in the NZ amateur golf champs. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Mt Maunganui teenager Brad Kendall fired a second successive three-under 69 to grab the lead midway through the strokeplay at the New Zealand amateur golf championships in Hawkes Bay yesterday.

Kendall, son of former international Owen Kendall, fought back from an opening double bogey with eight birdies in his round at Bridge Pa.

He has a two-shot advantage over first round leaders Ben Wallace (Royal Auckland) and Mat Perry (Hamilton) who were joined by Gary-John Hill (Titirangi) in a share of second place on four-under par 140.

They have two shots on a gaggle of chasers including under-19 national champion Duncan Croudis (Otago) who shared the low-round of five-under 67 with Waitemata's Kevin Budden.

The winds were blustery although less challenging than on the opening day, with pressure coming on defending champion Matt Jager (Australia) who is in a share of 19th place on one-over after an even par 72 yesterday, while international Ryan Fox is in a tie for 32nd on five-over and will need to move forward today if he is to secure a spot in the top 32 for matchplay.

Wallace struggled yesterday but birdied his last three holes for a one over 73, while Hill mixed four birdies with three dropped shots in his 71.

Meanwhile Japan's Eri Joma shot a five-under 68 to lead in the women's strokeplay at nearby Napier Golf Club.

The promising junior player was nine shots better than her first round 77, with five birdies in her round.

She has a one shot lead over international Caroline Bon (Northland) who fired a second successive even par 73. She made a fast start but ended up with four birdies and four dropped shots.

Defending strokeplay champion Zoe Brake is a shot back in a share of third place with first round leader Caryn Khoo (Pakuranga).

Brake was three-under after three holes and despite making five birdies, she gave up five bogeys.

Defending amateur champion Cecilia Cho moved to a share of fifth place on three-over after an even-par 73, while fellow international Lydia Ko is in a share of 11th on seven-over.

The women play two rounds today to complete the strokeplay championship before the top 32 players move on to the matchplay phase, moving to Bridge Pa starting on Sunday.