New Zealanders lead the way in Perth
Mako Thompson leads by one at the halfway stage – image Australian golf Media
27-year-old New Zealand PGA Tour of Australasia rookie Mako Thompson has the halfway lead at the West Australian Open at the MT Lawley Golf Club in Perth, consecutive rounds of 68 leaving him one shot ahead of his fellow New Zealander Jared Edwards.
Thompson gained his first PGA Tour of Australasia card at the Q School earlier this year and is playing his fourth event of the 2025/2026 schedule, having made a cheque in each of his starts to date.
After a solid opening round on Thursday, Thompson made a fast start today with three birdies in his first four holes, but the Maraenui Golf Club (Napier) member dropped shots leading to the turn, before an impressive back nine for one of his limited experience at this level.
“I got off to a nice start,” said Thompson. “I took advantage of the no wind and the softer greens, so it was a nice way to kickstart the day
“I’ve got off to a good start this season. Managed to just scrape through Q School, so really pleased with how I’ve started so far.”
In three starts to date this season, Edwards has recorded one top ten when 8th at the PNG Open in August after earning his playing rights by finishing 17th at the tour school earlier in the year.
In third place and two from the lead is West Australian Hadyn Barron, who is a former Rookie of the Year on the PGA Tour of Austrasia and who finished runner-up in this very event as an amateur five years ago.
Queenslander Anthony Quayle, Victorian Cameron John and tournament invite Marc Leishman are at 5 under and three off the lead and present a huge danger to those ahead of them over the final 36 holes.
