Compiled by DAVID LEGGAT
It's a tough life being a course marshal during pro-am day at a golf tournament.
What should have been a routine day at Paraparaumu yesterday ended up with an unexpected trip to hospital for one marshal. On the fourth hole, Paul Hatfield was struck in the head by a wayward ball, producing a decent flow of blood.
It took some time for the ambulance to get to Hatfield. He was taken to Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua for observation.
Though he was the only victim of a stray ball, plenty of other spectators had to show speed of foot as an array of outswingers, inswingers and cover drives rained off the amateurs' clubs during the day.
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Michael Campbell is to donate what prizemoney he wins to a good cause this week.
The world No 29-ranked player announced yesterday that his winnings would be split between the AMP Golf Foundation for young New Zealand players, and Ronald McDonald House, which helps seriously ill children and their families.
"I went there last year and saw their set-up, and it really hit home to me how important it is to do these sort of things," Campbell said. "I want to give something back to the community.
"I'm very fortunate. I've got a wonderful life, wonderful family and two healthy kids. I saw half-a-dozen kids who weren't too well and I thought to myself, 'I'd better do something here'."
If Campbell wins the Open on Sunday afternoon, he will receive $180,000.
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It was a case of spot the sports celebrity during yesterday's pro-am event.
Among the non-golfing golfers who braved the miserable conditions were the All Blacks' most capped player, Sean Fitzpatrick, who was in a group with Sir Bob Charles.
Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker, with his girlfriend Mandy Smith holding the umbrella, was with top professional Craig Perks.
Former Kiwi captain Matthew Ridge played with 1995 Open winner Lucas Parsons, and Blues kingpin Carlos Spencer was also spotted tramping the fairways, club in hand.
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The large media contingent received a gift pack containing something for all possible eventualities when they arrived at the Open press centre.
The packs included toothpaste, aspirin, three different types of shampoo, heel balm, lip balm, multi-vitamin tablets for men, herb lozenges - and three condoms.
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How much would you pay for a Tiger Woods driver? Thirty thousand dollars apparently.
That was the price the club fetched at the Steve Williams Foundation gala dinner in Wellington. It was paid by a member of the Muollo family, well known in Wellington business circles.
A Woods putter fetched $20,000, courtesy of Gary Lane, businessman and part-owner of Wairakei Golf Course, who was one of Woods' partners in yesterday's pro-am event.