Golf: Brown best of NZers at Malaysia Open golf

Mark Brown was the leading New Zealand golfer after yesterday's first round of the Malaysian Open at Kuala Lumpur.

Brown, who had four birdies and three bogeys, shot a one-under 71 at the KL Golf and Country club but compatriots Michael Campbell and Danny Lee struggled in the hot and humid conditions.

Campbell had a 74 while Lee's round was punctuated by six bogeys and two birdies.

A fourth New Zealander, Mark Purser, was two-over at the 15th hole when a late afternoon thunderstorm forced players off the course.

Purser will be among 30 players who will have to complete their first rounds today.

Rhys Davies, of Wales, and Spain's Ignacio Garrido share the lead after sizzling rounds of 65s.