Golf: Leemakes the first sub-60 score in NZ pro tourney

Richard Lee was in blistering form at the Tauranga Open yesterday. Photo / File

Auckland golfer Richard Lee shot the first sub-60 score in a professional event in New Zealand with an 11-under 59 at the Tauranga Open yesterday.

Lee made nine birdies and an eagle in his round, slotting a 1.8m birdie putt on his last hole for a course record at Tauranga Golf Club.

His 12-under 128 total after 36 holes was not enough to get him the lead though, with first-round leader Andrew Green following his opening round 62 with a 63 yesterday afternoon to move to 15-under 125.

The Wellington professional has a three-shot lead over Lee and Wellington amateur Nick Gillespie, who also shot 63 yesterday.

Invercargill amateur Cody Harper posted a 68 to share fourth place on 131 with Masterton amateur Ben Campbell, who shot 65.

Another day of low scoring belonged to Lee, a Japan Tour and Asian Tour regular.

"Those sorts of rounds just happen and you just enjoy the ride," Lee said. "I started thinking about 59 on about the fifth to last hole and thought I had lost it a couple of times, but I just managed to sneak in on the last hole.

"The last hole was the only time I got a little bit nervous. I wasn't sure what to do on the last. It's a driveable par-four and I ummed and ahhed whether I should go for it or whether to lay up. I made a decision earlier in the week that I was going to really attack this course and so I did. The drive went into the bunker but I got it to six feet and I must admit the hands were shaking a bit on that putt.

"I never dreamed that I would do it. I can't explain how I feel, I am just enjoying the moment. I have shot 10-under a few times, always in competition."

Gillespie, who opened with a 65, mixed eight birdies with a solitary dropped shot in his 63.

The former Hawke's Bay player, who has recently moved to Wellington, said some help with his mental approach made the difference.

- NZPA