New Zealand Golf Open

Jay Delsing has some wonderful stories to tell. The veteran golfer is one of the more interesting Americans teeing it up in the New Zealand Open at The Hills today.

A top Nationwide Tour official was not able to shed much light on the future of the New Zealand Open yesterday.

Twelfth in 2007, fourth last year - similar improvement will mean a very happy Josh Geary later this week.

Some of Otago's budding stars of the future had the time of their lives yesterday when they got to play nine holes at The Hills.

Ask any golfer - from a 36 handicapper to a PGA tour hotshot - and they will tell you the same story; if you can't hole the putts, then you can't expect to shoot low scores.

Tim Brasher may be the only caddy at the Michael Hill New Zealand Open who is as well known as his golfer.

You could say golfing is in the blood for Craig Palmer.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27

For a young golfer with a thin career CV, Josh Geary has much to recommend him at the New Zealand Open this week.

Entrepreneur Michael Hill reckons it is a "great view" from the top - and everyone has the ability to get there.

"Sort out five memorable moments from the New Zealand Open," said the Sports editor. So Dave Cannan trawled through the record books and dusty newspaper files from the previous 91 New Zealand Golf Opens and came up with these on the eve of next week's Michael Hill NZ Open at The Hills . . .

Places in the final field for the $NZ830,000 Michael Hill New Zealand Open at The Hills next week are at stake in Christchurch over the next few days.