Wellington golfer Daniel Hillier is in a two-way tie for the lead after the first round of the US Amateur Championships.
Wellington golfer Daniel Hillier. Photo: Photosport
Trying to replicate New Zealand PGA Tour player Danny Lee, who won the tournament in 2008, Hillier shot a round of four-under par 67 to get his campaign underway on Tuesday (NZ time).
The event is being played at the famed Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill courses on the Californian coast, with two qualifying rounds being played before the match play stages.
Hillier started at Pebble Beach and was making one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world look easy with three birdies in his opening seven holes.
His back nine was far more colourful with two birdies, three bogeys and an eagle on his way to the top of arguably the world's biggest amateur event.
"It was pretty nerve-racking to start off actually, my first US Amateur here at Pebble Beach it's a pretty special place, so it was nice to get underway," Hillier said.
"I had a good ball striking day, I managed to pick a couple of shots up on 14 and one on 15 to come home strong so yeah it was a good day.
His eagle three, a hole-out on the par five 14th, was a crucial moment in his round after making a bogey the hole before, which could have rocked the 19-year-old.
"I had 110 yards and hit a nice wedge shot in there and I knew if it was the right distance it was going to be pretty close and then one of the volunteers gave a big clap and put his thumbs up, so I didn't see it go in but it was a nice feeling."
Only 64 players from a whopping field of 312 progress through to the next stage, meaning Hillier will have to back up this performance if he is to secure his place in just his second visit to this part of the globe.
The cutline has a stack-load of players at one-over par entering the final day of qualifying, giving Hillier the opportunity to play safe if required.
However, the exciting young talent will be aiming to continue this form and finish on top to earn himself the best possible match play draw.
- RNZ
