Golf: Let it blow, says primed Parry

Scotsman Paul Lawrie, winner of the 1999 British Open, tees off at Gulf Harbour during yesterday's pro-am lead-up to the New Zealand Open, which begins today. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

For every player who silently prays for calm conditions the night before a round, there's always one who fancies putting the wind up his rivals.

Step forward Craig Parry, hotshot Australian, winner of last weekend's Heineken Classic at Royal Melbourne, the world's newly minted No 38 golfer and favourite for the New Zealand Open starting at Gulf Harbour today.

The popular Victorian reckons his game goes well in a bit of breeze and if the four days pass without significant wind on the Whangaparaoa layout it will be a major surprise.

"I'd prefer it to blow because it takes lot of players out of the equation, those who aren't used to hitting the right ball trajectory," said the 39-year-old, who is chasing his second win in the Holden-sponsored Open after winning at Paraparaumu Beach three years ago. "I think my game's more suited to wind than benign conditions."

Last weekend's victory has put an extra spring in his step. Barring a drastic loss of form in the coming weeks, he'll be in at least three of the four majors this year and can tailor his plans around the big money.

"Before last week I wasn't in the majors, so it's helped me out big time.

"Now I can pick and choose what events I want to play in. I can sit down and have a look at the best way to try and win majors."

He is driving the ball with confidence, "and when you get confident the game's a little bit easier".

Winning back-to-back events is difficult for any professional. Parry has done it once, bagging the Australian Masters and the New South Wales Opens in 1992.

His toughest rival might be the man he beat in last Sunday's playoff, lefthander Nick O'Hern, who has cracked the world's top 30 and must be a frontrunner for most consistent performer in Europe last year.

Ten top-10 finishes speak eloquently of his rise to the Tour's elite, but he's yet to crack the winner's circle in Europe. The last win for the 33-year-old from Perth was the Coolum Classic in Queensland six years ago.

But he's philosophical, maintaining "it's a nice question to be asked, in that you must be playing well, rather than why aren't you making the cuts".

"Last year I was never really in a position to win a tournament, I was always a few shots behind. Last Sunday was my best chance in a long time, but 'Pazz' [Parry] holed some great putts at the right time."

Indeed, O'Hern missed three makeable putts in the playoff; Parry got one chance and nailed it. Sitting at No 30 in the world is a good feeling.

"It's nice not to be a one-hit wonder. Last year I set the goal to get in the top 50 and did that. "This year it was top 30, but I didn't expect to get there so soon."

Both players spoke highly of the Gulf Harbour layout, which may tempt the gamblers among the field, but will demand a smart approach.

"You have to do your homework. It's a tricky course at times," said Parry.

As the Open is co-sanctioned with the European Tour for the first time, class ripples through a field battling for a tasty $1.5 million prizemoney.

Spectators will be spoilt for choice. Among the viewing options are Paul Lawrie, winner of the British Open in 1999; a host of high- quality Europeans, including Nick Dougherty, who got his maiden European Tour win in Singapore last month and is a colourful character; Swede Joakim Haeggman , world No 53 and out to regain his Ryder Cup place next year; fellow former Ryder Cuppers Barry Lane, Pierre Fulke, Niclas Fasth and Costantino Rocca; a hefty Australian contingent including last year's winner, Queenslander Terry Price; not to mention the last three New Zealanders to win the Open, Michael Campbell, David Smail and Mahal Pearce.

Of that trio, Smail, New Zealand's Golfer of the Year for 2004 - and in good early-season form after tying for 18th in Melbourne - appeals as most likely to dent the Euro-Australian challenge.

The field of 156 includes five amateurs.

Open champions

The last five New Zealand Open champions:

* 2000: Michael Campbell (NZ)
* 2001: David Smail (NZ)
* 2002: Craig Parry (Australia)
* 2003: Mahal Pearce (NZ)
* 2004: Terry Price (Australia)

The Open field includes:
* Nine past Open winners
* 11 winners on last year's European Tour, 2 on this year's circuit
* Two major champions (Wayne Grady, US PGA, 1990; Paul Lawrie, British Open, 1999)
* Players tee off from 7.20am today, final groups tee off 2.20pm