Korea's Guntaek Koh during the Round 2 of 104th New Zealand Golf Tournament. Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown, New Zealand. Friday 28 February 2025. ©Copyright Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
A record round has seen Korean Guntaek Koh catapult his way to the top of the leaderboard at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown.
He holds off Australian James Marchesani, who shot impressive rounds of 63-65 at Millbrook Resort, to hold second spot on the leaderboard at 14-under-par.
However, the day belonged to Koh, who at 17 under par matched the course record on the Remarkables layout on Friday, shooting a 61.
Josh Geary sits as the best of the Kiwi contingent, tied for seventh at ten under.
Marchesani is a shot clear of China's Bobby Bai (65-64), while first-time Millbrook visitor, West Australian Ryan Peake (67-64), is in a share of fourth at 11-under with two Asian Tour regulars, American John Catlin (67-64) and South African Ian Snyman (66-65).
"The game's felt close," Marchesani said.
"I probably haven't driven it as well as I would've liked the last couple of months. I was able to get in here earlier than I was meant to and do a bit of work with the Callaway boys on Monday.
"I found a little bit with the driver, which has been nice.
"The putting's been really good the last six months or so. I knew if I could get a lot of looks, the hole's going to start looking pretty big, which it has."
But it's Kiwi pair Michael Hendry and Geary who are sure to have the most support from the local crowd on Saturday as they continue to try to become the first New Zealanders in eight years to win their national open.
As the most recent home winner, Hendry is the perfect man to offer a reason why the Kiwi contingent has endured a title drought in Queenstown.
"After winning a major, this is my next tournament that I want to win," the 45-year-old said.
"All the Kiwis come into this week feeling that way and that is potentially why we haven't had a winner in a while because we want it more than the other guys.
"They can cruise around doing their thing while we are fighting for every little bit to try and win it."
Like his regular roommate, Geary has also had two 66s to start the week, hitting a purple patch on the back nine Friday afternoon when he grabbed four consecutive birdies.
"I had a good hot streak there for seven or eight holes," the Vic Open champion from a fortnight ago said.
"I knew I needed to stay in touch somewhat and what I was doing at even-par or 1-under wasn't going to cut it.
"I'm happy with how it's turned out. It could have been a little worse."
The next best Kiwi after 36 holes is Daniel Hillier (68-65), who is 9-under, while hometown favourite Ben Campbell (67-67) is one shot further back.
Koh's 61 featured a hole-out for eagle on the 398-metre par-4 ninth, nine birdies and a solitary bogey.
"My iron play worked really well today and helped me to attack the greens," Koh said.
"I've been working hard on my game and this week it's paid off."
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