Golf: Par rounds leave NZ mid pack in Turkey

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New Zealand is middle of the pack heading into the final round of the World Amateur Team's Championship in Turkey.

The Kiwis managed an even-par 142 team total at the Sultan-designed Antalya Golf Club to be in 19th place after two rounds of the event which has been shortened to 54 holes because of a second-round weather delay.

They will begin the final round 18 shots back from 13-time champions the United States, who lead the event by six shots from the Republic of Korea.

Southland golfer Vaughan McCall once again led the way for the Kiwis with a par 71 at the Sultan Course and he was well supported by Waikato amateur Mathew Perry, who also carded a par round.

Two-time Eisenhower rep Ben Campbell signed for a disappointing non-counting 13-over 84.

McCall, who is tied 27th on the individual standings, was pleased with his short game work throughout the round.

"The whole day I was playing some good shots but I just left myself in some bad spots around the greens," said the 21-year-old from the Gore Golf Club.

"My short game stood strong and I never missed an up and down all day.

"The back nine got a lot more intense as I kept leaving myself with some tricky chips and always left meat on the bone for the putts too. It was rewarding to hole all the putts needed and sail in with a par round.

"I am still mostly happy with where my game is at and feel like I now want the score to represent how I am playing. So when I put it together tomorrow expect a low round."

Campbell, who finished fourth at the 2010 Eisenhower in Argentina, was in a different mood after a round that included six bogeys, four double bogeys and a birdie.

"It was not the ideal day I was looking for but the boys both shot 71s so we stuck in there," said the 21-year-old from the Masterton Golf Club.

"There is a lot of room for improvement but I played the last five holes well. I hit the last five greens in regulation and all inside 15 feet which was a positive to finish on.

"I struggled with the swing at the start and I was like a Labrador searching for water finding a few water hazards."

Perry, the New Zealand Amateur Champion of 2011, made four bogeys, two birdies and an eagle in his second-round 71.

"I began my round well and learning from the previous day started off with a slightly more relaxed approach on course," said the 24-year-old from the Hamilton Golf Club.

"My round had some real highlights including a nice eagle on the par 5 7th after a well-placed drive and an accurate four iron over the flag.

"I lost a little momentum midway through my round and was forced to make some strong par saves on 13, 14 and 15. Unfortunately the birdies weren't present on the back nine and I settled for an even par round of 71. I've learned a lot about scoring during this tournament and the momentum of a team competition."