Waikato amateur Emily Perry and European-based Kiwi Lynnette Brooky are among the leaders at the New Zealand Women's Open after the first round in Christchurch today.
The 44-year-old Brooky, a long-time advocate of a national open but playing for the first time, fired a five-under par 67 to share the lead with Kym Larratt of England and Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten. Joining them late in the day with a brilliant birdie on the final hole was Perry, who was thoroughly impressive in the more challenging afternoon conditions.
Most of the first day leaders took advantage of the still and sunny morning conditions, before the freshening easterly breeze provided more of a test in the afternoon at the Pegasus Golf and Sports Club.
The most talked-about Kiwi golfer, 14-year-old Lydia Ko, had to play second fiddle to fellow amateur Perry, who showed the benefit of recent good form across the Tasman.
There are nine players sharing fifth place on four under, one shot ahead of Ko, who had a big gallery following her progress this morning. The world No.1 amateur mixed five birdies with two dropped shots in her 69.
The fine conditions led to 33 rounds under-par, leaving some more favoured players with work to do, including defending champion Kristie Smith who shot a one-under 71.
Brooky, a four-time winner on the Ladies European Tour, has not been in the winner's circle for seven years but made the start she wanted to make her mark on the event which is dear to her heart.
"I think the heavens are helping me a bit so that is great,'' Brooky said. "For the first time in a few years, I've gone out there and not been lined up with my putting. I started to feel too stiff that way so we left myself alone today and I felt more free and the putts rolled better.
"I do want to have another win before I retire. And my coach says, 'why only one?' He has done a lot of work on me and I have my nephew on my bag so we will see how it goes.''
Perry, 21, has come of age as a golfer and was unfazed by the stiff afternoon breeze.
"The wind, I liked it. Holes 12 and 13 were playing really tough but I was telling myself that every good shot today would set me up well for tomorrow,'' Perry said.
"It's really exciting. My heart is racing. I stayed really calm and positive and stuck to what I have been practising. They key to it is keeping calm and just the belief that I am a really good player.''
Ko was satisfied with her start to the Open after placing seventh and fourth here over the past two years.
"(Coach) Guy (Wilson) and I set the goal of a 69 and it was achieved, but I would have been happier with a four under,'' she said.
There is a cut tomorrow for the top 50 professionals plus ties to contest the final round on Sunday.
