Rust is clearly not affecting Mako Thompson’s golf game as he leads after the opening round of the Brian Green Property Group NZ Super 6’s held at Manawatu Golf Club.Thompson has fired a scintillating seven-under par 64 to take a two-shot lead heading into the second round after having a long break over the summer holidays.The Golf New Zealand National Academy member has come back refreshed and is ready to tackle another year on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour. He says the break has recharged his mind and he’s determined to get 2021 off to a good start.“It was really goodout there today. I’m coming off a long break and I feel really refreshed.“It definitely wasn’t my A game ball-striking wise out there, but I think today was a good testament to how strong my mindset was out there. Everything felt pretty comfortable out there and I managed to score really well,” he says.Thompson got off to a hot start making three birdies on the trot from holes three to five and made another two at the seventh and eighth. He made the turn at five-under par and was already in a share of the lead halfway through his opening round.
The Maraenui Golf Club member then made another two birdies at the 13th and 14th holes to move himself two clear of the field. His only blemish came at the 15th but he got that shot right back with a birdie at the final hole of the day.Thompson says he feels in control of the two most important clubs in his bag, his driver and his putter.“I hit my driver really well which is really key out here and I rolled my putter nicely too. Those are two pretty key ingredients to playing well on any golf course let alone this one, so I’m happy.”His opening round is also the lowest he has had on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour, but he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself this early in the week.“I think seven-under is my lowest round on this tour so that’s a real positive. The goal this week is to make the top-24 golfers on Sunday and then it’s anyone’s game, that’s the plan anyway.”
Two shots back of Thompson is Kerry Mountcastle, Tyler Wood, and Jennian Homes Charles Tour stalwart Mark Brown (pictured) at five-under par.
Nine players are currently tied in 17th place which will make for an interesting next couple of days as they all play for the top-24 to make the fast super 6 medal match play format on Sunday.
Caryn Khoo leads the female contingent with four-under
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