Going round with a superstar

Wanganui pro golfer Nick Gillespie (left) played 12 holes with former world number one Rory McIlroy (right) before last weekend's Australian Open. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

Wanganui pro golfer Nick Gillespie chalked up a career milestone within the last fortnight when he played 12 holes with former world No1 Rory McIlroy.

It happened during a practise round prior to the Emirates Australia Open played at Royal Sydney Golf Club.

The Northern Irishman went on to win the title by one shot from Aussie Adam Scott with a birdie putt on the 72nd hole last Sunday.

While Gillespie was second reserve for the Open and eventually missed out on making the field, the chance to play with one of the world's best made up for that disappointment.

"Shilts (fellow Kiwi pro Brad Shilton) and I were on the first tee waiting for the boys in front to clear the green when Rory walked up to the tee," he said.

"Rory was with 15 year-old Aussie amateur Ryan Ruffels and while we were standing around waiting Shilts asked Rory's caddy if they wanted to join us as it wasn't going to be the quickest round of golf that day."

McIlroy was "fine with that" so the quartet played 12 holes of Royal Sydney.

Gillespie confessed to being "pretty nervous" on the first tee but after the first hole was out of the way "everything was fine" even though the gallery following them around grew to more than 150 people.

"He [McIlroy] was a really good guy. He was a bit quiet the first couple of holes but I had a good chat with him for the rest of those we played," the Wanganui pro said.

"He's got a pretty impressive golf game and I wasn't surprised to see him win on Sunday afternoon.

"I wish I could say it was some of the advice I gave him but can't take any credit unfortunately."

Gillespie said the practice round with one golf's best was a great learning experience.

"For me the good part was that I didn't watch him hit shots and think there's no way I can do that. He hits it pretty far for a little guy so I'll have to get in the gym a bit more and make sure next time I'm getting it past him!" he said.

Shilton did not make the cut after two rounds but young Ruffels was the second best amateur in the Open.

Gillespie said because of his pro ranking he was just outside the field for the Australian Open and was named second reserve.

"After being third reserve for Perth International (late October) it was a little but frustrating as these two events have the best prize money," he said.

He is currently ranked 54th on the Tour of Australia order of merit with earnings of almost NZ$26,000 and he believes that should get him into both events next year.

He is currently in Mt Maunganui for a week of pro-am events that finish his busy year before heading to the Far North for a break with his girlfriend and her family.

"I'll be back to Wanganui for Christmas and no doubt a couple of grudge matches with Dad [Stu]. He'll probably want a couple of extra shots for Christmas," Gillespie said.

"Then it's back to some long hours with my coach and spending as much time practising and playing leading into February's events in Australia.