Oh what a remarkable setting

A crisp, clear morning at The Hills golf course, framed by the spectacular snow-laced backdrop of the Remarkables, turned on its heels and conjured up a blustery southerly afternoon on the first day of the New Zealand Open in Queenstown yesterday.

Before a crowd of 3554, three Americans led the field, while Sir Bob Charles, who turns 73 tomorrow, anticipated his birthday with a round of 73, one over par, and leading amateur Danny Lee carded a one-under 71.