Golf: Hill takes control at Shirley Open

Scott Hill. Photo / NZ HERALD

Auckland professional Scott Hill enjoyed a dream run of five-straight birdies on his way to a five under par 67 to earn a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Shirley Open in Christchurch.

The 2009 runner-up in the Charles Tour event backed up his first-round 68 to lead Richard Lee (68) by two shots on a day of hot scoring in benign conditions at Shirley. Otago professional Mahal Pearce was two over at the turn but rallied well with a four under back nine to card a two under par 70 to remain in contention but Nick Gillespie slipped from a share of the lead into tied third place after a one under 71.

Hill, who is recovering from months of pain from a popped rib cartilage, is having the time of his life on a course that he described as "the best layout on the Charles Tour".

"It is nice to be playing well," said Hill. "The only guarantee with golf is it's going to be emotional. It's just nice they are good emotions at the moment.

"I hit the ball beautifully today and it could have been even better if I didn't miss a one-footer for par at the last."

Hill, who admitted he is addicted to practice, carried some form into the tournament after a five under par round at the Kaikoura Pro-am and is looking forward to the weekend.

Lee, who has struggled in 2011 on the Japan Golf Tour, was impressed as he made six birdies and two bogeys in his 68.

"I was a bit frustrated with yesterday because I felt I turned a 65 into a 69 just by doing stupid stuff," he said.

"I know I am not supposed to get long and loose but it feels good. I am driving it great and putting well. They say you shouldn't over-swing but it feels great and I am hitting it great so I will keep going with it."

Two-time defending champion Anthony Doyle struggled to keep pace. The resident professional at the Christchurch Golf Club will head into the weekend 10 shots back from the leaders after a two over par 74.

Going the other way was Levin amateur Tyler Hodge, who climbed 28 places into a share of fourth and is the leading amateur.

"It's only my third Charles Tour event and that is my lowest score at one of these events by two shots," the 17-year-old said. "I have been in this position before so I feel OK about it. I led the North Island Amateurs for the first two days and I have learned from that experience. I am enjoying my golf here."

In the women's field, Julianne Alvarez shot a two under par 72 to take a two shot lead from Emily Perry into the third round.

The Lochiel amateur Perry is still in contention for her third Charles Tour win in a row after an even par 74.