Golf: Baddeley makes all the right moves

By David Leggat

Aaron Baddeley wanted to be Steve Waugh, but Australian cricket's loss is unquestionably golf's gain.

The 18-year-old from Melbourne is the hot property at this week's New Zealand Open championship at Paraparaumu Beach after his dazzling Australian Open title triumph late last year.

From age eight to 14 cricket was top dog on his chart of sporting ambitions. He was an opening bowler, top order batsman and was making a mark in district cricket. But he put in one long summer too many, felt burnt out, and picked up his 3-iron.

"I think I made the right decision," he quipped, with a massive chunk of understatement.

Several years ago fresh-faced David Kirk was promoted as the son every mother would love to have after leading the All Blacks to the inaugural Rugby World Cup title.

Kirk has nothing on Baddeley's fresh-faced easy manner and yesterday he made it clear life is pretty good.

Yes, things were hectic for a few weeks after the Australian Open win, but now he's had three relaxing weeks unwinding and he's ready for the biggest year of his life.

"I didn't touch a golf stick. It was great, just hanging round with my mates. It was a good time to do anything but golf," he said.

"From the Aussie Open to the Coolum Classic, [which he played from December 16-19] was really quick. I was only home for about six or seven days. But the last three weeks have been pretty good. Nice and relaxed."

Baddeley admits he loves links golf and the thought processes that go with it, such as dropping a ball short to allow for extra run rather than attacking the pin.

He warmed up by winning the light-hearted skins tournament yesterday with compatriot Peter O'Malley, sharing the liquid winnings, then quipping that his parents will probably drink it.

Baddeley is over here with "three of us - me, myself and I" and is without his regular caddy, but after two rounds on the course this week all he wants is someone to point him in the right direction. So he's tapped into some local knowledge.

"Local knowledge is always good to have, especially around links golf. With some tee shots, if you haven't played here before you would have no idea where to hit it."