Stills (45) is playing at No2 in the Aorangi Masters (over-40) team on the Chisholm Links course this week and has worked hard to play well in the blustery winds.
The shafts of his irons are more than 7cm longer than normal, which provides a large swing arc that should provide extra distance.
But Stills maintains he is not a long driver and the key with such a large arc is to keep things under control.
''I find it difficult to keep the ball low and I cope with windy conditions by using an extra club or two and taking it easy,'' he said.
''With my height it is very difficult to hit knock-down shots, which many golfers rely on when the going gets tough.''
He has used the same set of clubs for almost a decade and has no intention of changing them any time soon.
He grew up in Ashburton and began playing golf at age 3, and made his debut for South Canterbury at 16. He has been a regular Aorangi representative for almost 30 years and remains keen to continue playing.
His height has not always created difficulties, as he also played basketball for Ashburton College and the Mid Canterbury representative team.
Upon the retirement of John Hill, Stills was drafted intp the Canterbury Rams as centre and played for the team from 1993-96.
His 14-year-old son, Kampbell, is also keen on sport but seems set to become a basketballer rather than a golfer, as it is clearly in the genes.
