By CHRIS RATTUE AND PAULA OLIVER
Thirteen-year-old Jae An would love to play alongside Tiger Woods in the New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu.
The extraordinary thing is that An, who came to New Zealand from South Korea just three years ago, could actually get that chance.
It's a longshot, but not as long as it was before yesterday's qualifying tournament at Waikanae.
In a remarkable performance, the Rotorua Boys High School fourth-former won the qualifier with a six-under-par 65, so will take his place in the field of 144 when the tournament tees off on Thursday morning.
He may be the youngest player ever to make a golf open field.
An would have to perform more golfing miracles and make the cut to get his chance alongside Tiger, but he has already shown that anything is possible.
"I would really like to play alongside Tiger ... but I would be put off," said the shy youngster.
An was the non-playing reserve in the Rotorua Boys High team - led by his fellow New Zealand Open contestant Sam Hunt - who retained their world title in Berkshire, England, seven months ago.
An moved to New Zealand, with his father, mother and sister to further his promising golf career.
The head of the highly successful Rotorua Boys High golf programme, Ian Woon, said An's was a great achievement. "He may only be 13, but Jae is big and strong. Over the last three months he has run up to 10km a day and been in the gym at six every morning."
Mr An, who caddies for his son, headed back to Rotorua last night to bring the family - including Jae's visiting grandfather - back to Paraparaumu.
Jae An was persuaded to stay with the Hunt family at Otaki, near the open course.
"This is the biggest day in my golf career so far," An said of his qualifying success.
Paraparaumu Beach is already abuzz with rumour and speculation surrounding Tiger Woods' visit.
While officials will not confirm it, the word among locals is that the world number one will be staying on the Kapiti Coast in a recently renovated 60-year-old property that boasts several suites in a large garden setting, with pool, gym and spa.
More than one location has been booked, keeping the 165-strong international media team guessing.
After police revealed last week that a threat involving cyanide had been made against the tournament Woods will play, officials yesterday said that last-minute changes to Woods' accommodation could be possible.
A heightened police presence was visible at the Paraparaumu course yesterday, and officers were seen checking rubbish bins and moving among the tournament marquees.
Last night, police said security would also be stepped up on trains, bridges and tunnels on the Paraparaumu line in response to the threats, but they still recommended train travel for those attending the tournament.
Police will circulate through trains at random and will be stationed around tunnels and bridges around the clock.
But if the threat of disruption has tournament organisers and police on edge, the man at the centre of all the action appeared unfazed yesterday.
Speaking in Hawaii, Woods said he had been assured by tournament officials that he, the other players and spectators would all be safe. He admitted to receiving his "fair share" of threats before.
Woods and his entourage are expected to touch down in Wellington in his private jet at 7.20 this morning.
A $US2 million ($4.7 million) appearance fee has reportedly been paid to Woods to play in the hometown of his caddie, Steve Williams.
Woods is today expected to take his first look at the Paraparaumu course, where he will play a practice round before joining a group of nervous businessmen in Wednesday's pro-am.
It is likely he will spend Saturday night in an unfamiliar but decidedly Kiwi-flavoured environment - cheering on Steve Williams in a race at Te Marua Speedway.
NZ Open organisers hoping for crowds of 20,000 at the event could be stymied by the weather. Scattered rain is expected for the tournament's first two days, Thursday and Friday.
