Kiwi number one Ryan Fox is in the hunt after a solid opening round at the New Zealand Open at the Millbrook course in Arrowtown.
Having arrived in the country on Wednesday after competing in Mexico last week, a jet-lagged Fox will be pleased with a three-under 68.
The 32-year-old is five strokes back from leader Zach Murray from Australia.
Fox told media after his round he was just keen for a good night's sleep after a hectic two weeks.
"I'm pretty knackered now, to be honest," Fox said. "I just had a massage and I was about to fall asleep on the table. But I actually felt pretty good on the golf course, I woke up 10 minutes before my alarm this morning feeling pretty good."
Fox was tidy throughout, bogeying only the 18th after a wayward tee shot. His four birdies backed up by a solid short game on a chilly afternoon.
Victorian resident Murray shot a scintillating eight-under 63 - his best round since turning pro late last year.
The 21-year-old cupped eight birdies in a flawless opening round.
The leading Kiwi is Tim Wilkinson at four-under while 50-year-old Michael Campbell is tied for 85th after an even-par round.
Newshub.
