Golf: Alker shines bright as trio make the cut

In a New Zealand Open that is increasingly difficult for New Zealanders to both get a start and be competitive in, Steve Alker's performance at Gulf Harbour stands out like a beacon. The Hamilton-raised but Arizona-based Alker shot an even-par 72 in the third round yesterday and starts the final day in a tie for 18th place at 10-under par.

Stephen Scahill and Gareth Paddison are the only other locals to make the cut but are tied for 32nd and 75th.

Alker's third round was a classic example of good ball striking and average putting. He hit 12 greens in regulation but had 30 putts, five more than his second round of 65.

"I actually hit the ball better than (Friday) but I have to say I'm disappointed with my score" he said afterwards.

On a day when strong westerly winds made Gulf Harbour less vulnerable to the birdie-fest of the first two rounds, Alker's showing on the two most demanding holes on the course backed up his assessment.

On the ninth, playing 406 metres into the teeth of the 35km wind, Alker rifled a two iron to the green and two putted for a rock solid par on a day when the average score was more than half a shot over par. Barely a quarter of the field hit that green in two.

Then after a bogey on the 17th, Alker again demonstrated his skill with a long iron into the wind on the 18th when he slung a four iron from 170m over the flagstick and holed the tetchy 3m downhill putt for birdie to finish his round in style.

That only three Kiwis made the weekend is a pointer to future prospects for local players in the country's premier tournament. The quality of golf has increased dramatically with the participation of 65 European Tour players and even though 20 New Zealanders were able to get a place in the field, the scoring was just too hot for most of them.

Josh Geary, confirming his place as the country's best amateur player, becomes the first winner of the Bledisloe Cup for low amateur at the New Zealand Open to not play four rounds.

The cut, at four under by far the lowest in New Zealand golf history, was a serious wake-up call to the latest generation of young New Zealanders wanting to make it on the circuits of the world. If they learn the lesson that in benign conditions even par is not good enough these days, then their pain will have been worth it.

- Herald on Sunday