Ryan Fox during Day 1 of the 2017 ISPS Handa New Zealand Golf Open. The Hills, Arrowtown. Photo: Photosport
In sweltering conditions in Arrowtown, two Australians head the field.
With little wind and the sun streaming down in the morning, scores went low though half the field has yet to finish their round.
The lead at seven under, 65, is held by Scott Barr and Deyen Lawson, with New Zealander Luke Toomey and Japanese golfer Yoshitaka Takey one behind the lead.
Ryan Fox shot four under along with New Zealand veteran Michael Long.
Defending champion Matthew Griffin birdied his first five holes and is looking threatening.
The cut looms at two under though there is a lot of golf to be played. The second half of the field should finish from 5pm onwards today.
