Denzel Ieremia has taken Mt Maunganui Golf Course apart through two rounds of the final Jennian Homes Charles Tour event of the year breaking the previous opening two rounds record by three shots, finishing 17-under leading into the final weekend.
Tour leader Luke Toomey can only watch on with amazement as Ieremia holds a three-shot lead ahead of Jared Edwards on 14-under and Mark Brown is a further two shots back on 12-under.
The previous opening two rounds record was held by Josh Geary who was 14-under at The Carrus Open in past years but the rookie professional says he’s in control of his game.
“I’m really happy with these opening rounds,” Ieremia said after Friday’s round.
“It’s nice playing out here, especially when the greens are running like this, they were a bit softer this morning as well, so we were able to throw a few darts in there.
“I just played solid, hit some good shots and I didn’t make too many mistakes.
“When I was out of position, I was able to make pars. I got quite hot there on the front nine making six birdies in a row so it’s nice to get on a roll.”
Spectators described the putting performance both he and his playing partners [Edwards and Brown] as the best display they’ve ever seen, which will have Ieremia in good stead come the weekend as he looks to try and close out the event.
“Nothing changes for me come the weekend. I’m going to keep the foot down and make more birdies.
“It was great playing with Jared, he’s a good young player with a bright future ahead.”
His group was 23-under par for the day today, with Auckland amateur Jared Edwards shooting eight-under to get to 14-under for the tournament and in second-place on his own. Mark Brown also had six-under.
“This is the lowest round I’ve shot in a tournament so I’m really happy, it was great,” said a chirpy Edwards.
The Auckland number one has impressed all week with his putter, almost holing every putt he’s hit.
“I’ve hit it okay the first two rounds, but I’ve holed pretty much everything I looked at. I had a bit of a cold patch in the middle of the round where I didn’t make much but I came home with three birdies in the last four holes.
“With these greens if you hit it in certain spots you can see the line really easily so it’s a recipe for holing a bunch of putts out there.”
Despite only being in this position once before at this year’s Akarana Open, he says nerves won’t play a factor come tomorrow.
“I’m just going to go and do the same thing as what I’ve done the first two rounds this weekend. I played with a guy who hits it miles [Ieremia] which didn’t faze me too much. Bring on the weekend!”
Tour Leader Luke Toomey is 8 shots from the lead with two days to play, needing to be tied for second or better to take the trophy.
