Dunedin players are to the fore after the first round of the 32nd national left-handed championships which began on the Chisholm Links course yesterday.
Ben Patston (Otago) and Mike Wray (Island Park) finished on 1-over- par 72 to share the overnight lead, two shots clear of Simon Murphy (Russley). Martyn Price (Pegasus) is two shots further back.
Mark Grellet (St Clair) is five shots off the pace while Michael Thompson (Wanaka) and Geoff Shaw (Maniototo) are within striking distance, tied for seventh on 80.
Hopes of an Otago winner look rosy with David Fraser (Alexandra) leading the seniors section with a 7-over 78.
Fraser, a former member of Chisholm Links, relished returning to his old stamping ground to snatch a two-stroke lead.
Patston made a shaky start with a bogey five on the first hole but made a birdie three on the sixth hole to turn square with the card.
Coming home, he made eight pars, the only blemish being a bogey five on the 13th.
In contrast, Wray made a strong start, chipping in for a birdie three at the first and sinking a 4m putt at the fifth to turn 2-under.
He looked set to finish under the card but had bogeys at 15, 16 and 17 for his 1-over round.
The event continues with one round each day until Thursday when this year's champions will emerge with the lowest 72-hole totals.
