Fitzy and Burton tipped to join Clinton for golf

By John Andrews

Millbrook Resort in Queenstown has been inundated with calls from golfers wanting to pit their skills against US President Bill Clinton.

But those with the inside running are said to be former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick and Burton Shipley, husband of Prime Minister Jenny Shipley.

Fitzpatrick, one of New Zealand's nine designated Apec ambassadors, has been mentioned as a likely substitute for Sir Robert Charles, the left-handed New Zealand golf legend.

Hopes that Sir Robert, who designed the Millbrook course, would accompany Mr Clinton were dashed when he decided that his professional tournament obligations in the US next month took precedence.

Millbrook chief executive Graham Smolenski said he had been hellbent on getting Sir Robert, or even fellow professional Phil Tataurangi, to the resort for the matchup.

Sir Robert was keen, but, after considering that Mr Clinton's plans could change at short notice, he was not prepared to chance a one-off trip from the United States.

Tataurangi declined because, according to Mr Smolenski, he is too busy making a living.

Fitzpatrick is no mean substitute. A 13-handicap golfer, he is a regular visitor to Millbrook.

Mr Shipley has Millbrook experience, too, having played there with Australian Prime Minister John Howard about three months ago.

Sir Robert's absence gives Mr Clinton and his minders the option of sticking with the Millbrook course near Arrowtown or trying out the Kelvin Heights course instead.

The attractive course on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables as a backdrop, is likely to feature prominently in media coverage of the President at play.

White House press corps members are assigned to keep a close eye on Mr Clinton's movements during Apec and his subsequent state visit.

While Mr Clinton is playing golf, his daughter, Chelsea, will probably be jetboating on the Shotover River or skiing at Coronet Peak, or both, with Anna Shipley, the Shipleys' daughter.

Chelsea will not be the only leader's daughter in New Zealand for the Apec summit meeting in Auckland. It is believed that the daughters of the Japanese, Chilean and Peruvian leaders will also accompany their fathers.