Harry Smith showed his golfing prowess on Saturday when he shot a gross score of 62 to set a course record on the Maniototo course in Ranfurly.
Smith (20) bettered the previous record, which was set in 1994 by Murray Studholme, by two shots.
Two years ago, Smith was selected in the Otago men's 10-man team to compete in interprovincial matches.
But on leaving school he headed to Sydney to undertake a two-year course in golf management and has only returned recently to spend time with his parents, John and Sarah.
He returns to Australia next week to take up a position working in the professional shop at the Sandhurst Club in Melbourne.
He is keen to hone his competitive skills and has already acquired a roster of 16 tournaments to compete in around Melbourne this year.
Smith will have the opportunity to show Otago golf followers his improved form when he tees off in the Otago stroke play championships at Balmacewen in Dunedin at the weekend.
