By SCOTT MACLEOD
"My, what long skinny legs," says a spectator as she watches the 64-year-old man sink his putt.
Sir Bob Charles is indeed tall. In fact, his lean frame casts a shadow over all New Zealand golf.
His even-par 70 in the NZ Open yesterday capped an astonishing 48 appearances in
the tournament, which he has won four times. And he wants to keep going for three more years, to mark the 50th anniversary of his first NZ Open title.
By the 10th hole at The Grange yesterday, he had picked up three shots to go four-under for the tournament, and seemed poised to challenge the leaders. Then he dropped three shots, slipping to a one-under 279 and a share of 15th place.
"I'm a little disappointed with the finish," he said, "but I had a lot of good shots today."
It was a nice day for watching golf - cloudy with a cool breeze.
And up to 300 people chose to follow Sir Bob through the middle of the course, as he made his charge at the leaders.
But perhaps the best indication of his status was the knot of 50-odd loyal fans who followed him around every hole, often struggling to keep up with their hero's giant strides as he marched up the fairways.
Iain and Elaine Hickey, of Waihi, liked the fact that he came home every year to contribute to New Zealand golf.
Jenny Webster, of Auckland, was struck by his flexibility and concentration.
So how does Sir Bob keep going?
"When I'm in the US, I work out three times a week, on an exercycle, treadmill and light weights.
"But what I really need more than anything is flexibility. I'm not as flexible as I'd like."
The shoulders may be a little stiff as he nears his 65th birthday in March, but it is barely evident on the course.
His play is a study in understatement. Rarely speaking, he circles his ball, makes two practice swings, thwacks the ball, then lifts his right hand slightly, acknowledging the crowd.
But walking on to the 18th green yesterday to the clapping of hundreds of spectators, he was moved enough to briefly take off his cap in acknowledgment.
