Spectators and volunteers were treated to an engaging golfing experience on day one of the NZPGA Championship. With golfing communities at the forefront of PGA NZs approach to the tournament, the excitement and chatter added to the real community spirit that this tournament is delivering.

With the Te Puke Club volunteer’s army getting themselves ready to walk the course with the players, the innovation and unique NZPGA Championship for 2021 got underway Thursday morning.

The players in form produced the display they have in the weeks leading in with local course favourite Josh Geary having a late charge to complete round one at the top of the leader board on 7 under 65.

Geary said of his day "Got off to a good start and I played the hard holes well. I was based here over Christmas and New Years and I have really enjoyed it. The members have been great to me, it is a great place to hang out and get some practise done.”

One shot back is Australian Blake Collyer on 66 and a host of elite players sitting one or two shots back ready to strike in round two. Special mention must go local amateur Jessica Green mixing it in the group with 3 under 69. “I felt good and putted well. That was my highlight for me today, making putts, I haven't made putts in a long time. I made some today and it paid off” Greene said of her day.

Day one of the Championship also saw the start of the highly anticipated race for the Regional team’s title and the first team to take the Rohe Trophy.

Standing at the top of the team leader board is Te Puke on 10 under with Auckland and the Lower South following one and two shots behind respectively.

The club house talk about which team was where and the interest surrounding the results coming in for the Regional teams adds just the dimension the event was looking for and following the teams progress on the leader board adds a special community feel to the occasion.

PGA General manger Dominic Sainsbury was pleased with the opening day of the championship highlighting the touchpoints of bringing golfing communities together and showcasing PGA and golfing experiences was prevalent in the event. “its brilliant to see the vision we had for the event with PGA professionals, local communities, volunteers, spectators all coming together in celebrating golf and all being part of this landmark 2021 event.” added Sainsbury.

Full results and leader board is on the PGA NZ home page. Click here: https://www.pga.org.nz

Day two tomorrow (Friday) begins at 930am Live results will be on the leader board on PGA NZ Home page.

Live Coverage on Saturday and Sunday will be on Sky TV Chanel 50 between 330pm and 5pm