By CHRIS RATTUE
New Zealand is producing a stack of classy amateurs who are readying themselves for professional golf careers.
But we have yet to produce a top-of-the-line superstar who has won majors and/or consistently pushed for a place in the top four or five of world golf.
Michael Campbell has come closest in the past few years, but even his world ranking is slipping towards 30.
Might there be an Ernie Els, David Duval or even a you-know-who out there?
It is often hard to tell in the teenage years, and even in the 20s, whether a golfer will make it to the top.
Tiger Woods, who turned professional to great fanfare and an immediate $US40 million ($93.8 million) deal with Nike, was touted as being able to achieve great things early in his career. But he is one of the exceptions to the rule.
Some New Zealand golf watchers still have high hopes for the likes of Phil Tataurangi, who at 30 has not quite matched many people's expectations after some great teenage years.
It is a strange business for the national administration of the amateur game, which develops some players it actually hopes will leave its ranks.
The association sends about 15 men's teams away each year. Because a number are invited, they can keep the travel budget to around $200,000.
There are obviously some returns from producing top players who help to keep golf in the sporting spotlight in this country.
As well, Sir Bob Charles, Frank Nobilo and Michael Campbell, in particular, back the amateur association with financial gifts, while others like Greg Turner assist in the preparation of teams.
Some of New Zealand's best prospects have been involved in the New Zealand Open, but others have bypassed the event.
So these might be the best prospects to take New Zealand golf to the very top:
Gareth Paddison: The 21-year-old from Wellington has just turned professional after representing New Zealand as an amateur for three years.
He finished his amateur career by winning the Canadian title, and made a brilliant start as a pro by tying for third in the Australian PGA.
Early in the season, he is already seventh in the Australian Order of Merit, although he has struggled in the New Zealand Open and missed the cut.
He is a long hitter who is regarded as having all the shots. He is so highly regarded that some involved with the Australian PGA were tipping him to win at Paraparaumu.
Eddie Lee: From Christchurch, Lee was the best amateur at last year's Open at The Grange in Auckland and some believe he might be this country's best prospect.
Lee is one of the most advanced of the New Zealand hopefuls, on a par maybe with an 18-year-old Tataurangi and ahead of Campbell, and is one of the most sought-after young players by American collegiate golf.
He is driven in his determination to be a top professional, hits long and is rated as having all the shots.
Tim Wilkinson: A late developer from Palmerston North, Wilkinson never represented New Zealand as a junior.
But now, in his early 20s, he is rated the No 1 amateur and has won in Malaysia and Singapore.
Wilkinson should head the Eisenhower Trophy team in October.
He is one of many players around who is regarded as having all the necessary parts to his game and is now trying to build experience.
Sam Hunt: The 17-year-old headed the double world intercollegiate title-winning Rotorua Boys' High School team and was the leading individual scorer both times.
He is not rated a super-long hitter, but is a smart player who insiders say is developing nicely. He has already won the national strokeplay title.
Jae An: The sensation of the New Zealand Open, also from Rotorua Boys' High School, who turns 14 next month.
An has been in New Zealand for three years but apparently wants to represent his native South Korea, putting him out of New Zealand's clutches for now. At such a young age it is even more of a mystery just how his career will develop.
And among the others to keep an eye on - classy putter Bradley Heaven, who plays American collegiate golf and won a big event recently; two more Rotorua aces, Mathew Holten and Bradley Iles; New Zealand matchplay champion Ben Gallie, from Dunedin; and the list goes on ...
