Murray shares NZ lead

Zach Murray on his way to a 63 yesterday. Image: Getty

The Australian Zach Murray delivered a perfect birthday present for his father with an opening 63 to share the lead on the opening day of the 100th New Zealand Open in Queenstown.

The 21-year-old Murray shot a flawless round in which eight birdies and after only a few minutes of preparation.

"It was a strange warm-up for me, I hit about five balls and I thought," I will not get it warm. "And so I just sat in the pro-shop and waited for the sun to come out, a few putts and then I went, & # 39; said Murray.

"I do that at home, if I only play with my friends, so I think I should do that more often."

Victorian Murray became professional in November after winning the WA Open as an amateur and finished fourth at Asian Tour Q-School. "It's my father's birthday today." He told me last night and said that "65 would be nice, given that he was born in" & # 39; 65, so I added a few years with a 63 I spoke to him shortly before and he said he does not mind, "Murray added.

Murray leads next to New Zealander Harry Bateman and Japan Ryiko Tokimatsu.

Bateman started the day with two bogeys, but had four birdies and an eagle over his last six holes in The Hills to join Murray, who played Millbrook Resort this morning, and Tokimatsu who also played the Hills on eight-under the card this afternoon .

There are 86 players in red numbers with 16 players in a ninth place on four cards under the card, including the US-based Tim Wilkinson and Josh Geary.