NZ Open 2009

Steve Alker had Johnny on the spot to thank yesterday.

This is one story I'd hoped not to write this week.

Main Street was an entertaining diversion for golfing spectators during the first day of the Michael Hill New Zealand Golf Open yesterday.

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.

If you've ever wondered what particular attribute separates weekend amateurs from golfers who make a living from the game, I'd suggest calmness in the face of disaster comes pretty close.

What, no miracle? Danny Lee proved a timely reminder of his mere mortality as he carded a respectable if unspectacular one-under-par 71 at the New Zealand Open yesterday.

They don't make public booths like they used to.

Catering for the masses. It's a daunting thought.

Alex Prugh disobeyed the laws of golf yesterday.

Gusty wind has made it difficult for the afternoon field to have an impact on the first day of the New Zealand Open.

Everyone is hoping to see something special from Danny Lee, but any number of American and Australian golfers are lining up to make their own noise at the New Zealand Open.

I'd hate to think how many press conferences Sir Bob Charles has given since he won the first of his four New Zealand Open titles 55 years ago.

Michael Hill saved the New Zealand Open but Bob Tuohy has the job of making sure it doesn't sink again.

The TAB has New Zealand golfer David Smail as favourite to win the New Zealand Open, beginning on Thursday at the Hills course near Queenstown.

Australian Michael Moore is in his debut season on the Australasian Tour and is about to play in his first New Zealand Open. Sports editor Hayden Meikle talks to the little Aussie battler.