Golf: Purser ready to face elements at Muriwai

Waikato professional Mark Purser won't mind if the wind that lashed the Muriwai golf course for the pro-am yesterday continues to blow for the inaugural Muriwai Open which starts today.

"I certainly don't mind it. It's a good course but I would have been happy to see some of the heather that was here last time I played. That really punished you. But if it blows, that will be enough of a challenge."

The pros are keen for a turnaround from the previous Charles Tour 72-hole tournament at Tauranga where 18-year-old Masterton amateur Ben Campbell took the honours at 19 under par, while North Harbour professional Michael Hendry cashed the $8000 winner's cheque four shots back.

Muriwai is certain to be a tougher test if the forecast weather persists.

The 25-year-old Purser was not among the frontrunners at Tauranga but he is something of a poster boy for the Charles Tour, which is designed to provide a step on the journey for fledgling touring pros and a taste of the professional game for aspiring amateurs.

As a rookie pro Purser won the Titirangi Open and the Tauranga Open three years ago when the tour was developed by former outstanding pro Greg Turner.

He subsequently won the Shirley Open and was runner-up in the Wairakei Open when the tour was revived and named for Sir Bob Charles.

Last season he advanced to the Asian Tour, finishing 58th in the order of merit, with five top-10 finishes and US$63,592 in winnings. His best finish was third in the Selangor Masters in Malaysia.

If he can put together another good season his next target will be either the Japanese or European tours. But with a break until July on the Asian circuit, he is happy to be playing at home.

Campbell, Hendry and Lee are among the 50 professionals and 60 elite amateurs who will tee off from 7.15 today.

After 36 holes the field will be cut to 60 and ties. Ten leading women will play 54 holes.