Chisnall Three Clear Heading Into Weekend at DVS Pegasus Open

Ryan Chisnall is in the box seat after two rounds at the DVS Pegasus Open.
Ryan Chisnall is in the box seat after two rounds at the DVS Pegasus Open. (NZ Golf)

Nelson-based professional Ryan Chisnall has built himself a three-shot lead heading into the weekend at the DVS Pegasus Open on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

Chisnall backed up his stellar opening round of 66 with a five-under-par 67 to be 11-under through the opening two rounds.

Speaking after day two Chisnall said despite not having the game he showed up with yesterday, he’s happy with the result.

“I’m pretty happy. If you had told me at the start of the day that I was going to shoot 67 I definitely would have taken it,” Chisnall explained.

“I got a little bit lucky out there and didn’t play quite as well as yesterday so I’m very happy with the score.”

Chisnall began the day making par at the first followed by a bogey at the long par 3 second.

The tide would turn at the par 5 fifth where he made eagle and backed that up with a birdie at the very next hole. Three more pars to close and he made the turn at two-under-par.

Chisnall would pick up three more shots at the 13th, 15th, and 18th holes to lead by three heading into the weekend.

Chisnall has developed a moustache before his play this weekend and it seems to be working.

“I’ve never had the mo at one of these events before and it seems to be working so far! We’ll see if it behaves itself heading into the weekend,” he joked.

“It’s a position I’ve been in a few times before so it’s nice to be up in the mix once again. I’m just looking forward to getting underway again tomorrow.

“It’d be nice to taste victory on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour at the end of the weekend, that’s for sure.”

Chisnall will need to hold off the two-time winner on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour and tied overnight leader Daniel Hillier.

Hillier is nipping at his heels just three shots back following rounds of 66 and 70 to finish at eight-under-par.

Like Chisnall, Hillier also started the day on the first and made birdies at the second and seventh to make the turn at two-under and tied up the top of the leaderboard.

Hillier made a bogey at the 11th but recovered with birdies at the 14th and 16th holes.

Despite finishing with a bogey, Hillier is excited for the weekend and the prospect of joining an elite club of those with three Jennian Homes Charles Tour titles to their name.

“It’d be really special. I’ve been in this position before and I’m excited for the weekend,” Hillier said.

“I didn’t strike the ball as well as I did yesterday, but I scrambled really well to save pars. Hopefully, I can continue that tomorrow and Sunday.”

Hillier will tee it up alongside good friend Chisnall for moving day tomorrow, which is something he’s looking forward to.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Chizzy tomorrow. We’re really good mates and I’ll make sure I bring a competitive edge that will be good for the both of us. There is still a long way to go but it’s a great position to be in.”

Three players are a further shot back at seven-under.

Leaderboard after round 2

133 Ryan Chisnall (PGA New Zealand) 66 67

136 Daniel Hillier (PGA New Zealand) 66 70

137 Mako Thompson (Maraenui) 69 68, Fraser Wilkin (P, PGA New Zealand) 68 69, Josh Geary (PGA New Zealand) 68 69

138 Gareth Paddison (PGA New Zealand) 72 66, James Hydes (Gulf Harbour Country Club) 70 68, Harry Bateman (PGA New Zealand) 68 70

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