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 Newsroom Taranaki Open 2005 North Harbour professional Josh Carmichael fired a seven-under par 65 in the opening round of the Olex Taranaki Open in New Plymouth today. Carmichael made six birdies and an eagle on a superb round in ideal conditions at the Ngamotu Links course. The tournament is part of Golf Tour New Zealand, an initiative by former professional Greg Turner which brings together the leading amateurs, male and female, along with young and club professionals. Carmichael has a three shot advantage over local professional Grant Moorhead, North Harbour professional Steve Gordon and New Zealand amateur representative Josh Geary. There’s a further one shot back to a trio on three-under 69 including New Zealand representative Doug Holloway and professionals Guy Penrose and Scott Pickett. Geary is the best of the amateurs, firing seven birdies in his four-under 68, while Penrose was a mixture of hot and cold. He was one-over par after 12 holes before he rattled home five birdies in the last six holes for a three-under 69. Gordon fired five birdies with one dropped shot for his 68. Moorhead, who recently won the Fiji PGA title, was in impressive form for his 68 as he builds for next month’s USPGA qualifying school. Last year’s runner-up, Wellington professional Mark Brown had five birdies spoiled by two double bogies. The leading female is New Zealand representative Natasha Krishna (Auckland) who eagled the par-5 18th hole for an even-par 72. There is a cut to the top 60 players plus eight females after tomorrow second round for the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday. Full details and scores to follow. Ian Hepenstall |
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