Steven Alker is one of two Kiwis sharing a six-way tie for second place at the New Zealand Open, after Australian Christopher Wood shot a course record to hold a four shot lead after the first round at Millbrook Resort.
Among the last to tee off on Thursday, Wood finished with a 10-under 61 in his first round, complete with eight birdies and an eagle.
Wood's round gives him a four shot lead over the chasing pack, complete with Alker and compatriot Kit Bittle.
"It's only round one," said Wood. "It's obviously great to get off to a good start so hopefully get out there early in the morning and keep going."
"I've been playing average but the last tournament back in Australia I played pretty decent the last three rounds. I knew the game was coming around nicely.
"I played pretty solid all day. The putter got hot pretty early and just rode the momentum as the round went on.
"Definitely wasn't expecting to play this well today but it was definitely nice to shoot 10-under.
"It's my second-lowest ever round but lowest in a tournament so this is very special."
Aside from Alker and Bittle, Japanese duo Tomoyo Ikemura and Yosuka Asaji, Australian Tom Power Horan and Thailand's Gunn Charoenkul share second place, as the second round begins on Friday.
