Ashburton golfer Daniel Pearce blitzed the field in the second round of the inaugural $20,000 Hills Invitational Pro Am at the weekend with a brilliant 65 and a two-round total of 133 to leave overnight leader David Klein six shots in his wake.
The win was a sweet end to the year for Pearce, who won $4000 and an honorary membership at The Hills for 2016.
‘‘What a great day. I played so accurately. Every part of my game went so well, including my putting. [I] only missed about two greens in regulation and a chip in on the par-3 16th was a bonus.'' Pearce said.
His opening nine set the tone and allowed him to take control as he went out in 31 with three birdies and an eagle.
Both David Klein and Jordan Zunic (Australia) were solid but could not get on a roll. Brad Shilton finished well for fourth, turning a 5-over-par first round into a 5-under round yesterday to finish even par.
The 18 invited professionals played alongside 54 members of The Hills, who were playing their strokeplay championship in this event.
The Hills Invitational Pro Am will now become part of the annual calendar, with increased prize money.
