By CHRIS RATTUE
Jae An had barely finished his first round in the New Zealand Open when he was surrounded by reporters and cameras from all over the world.
The 13-year-old golfing sensation from Rotorua carded a superb even par 71 at Paraparaumu, putting him well in the hunt to make the cut after today's second round.
The An story has gone around the world - including his native South Korea - since he became the top qualifier.
His Open debut suggests it is a story that will grow.
Australian professional David Hill, who with Marcus Wheelhouse was in the group with An, could hardly contain himself about the young golfer's ability.
Little wonder. Hill carded a 74 on the tricky links course, and Wheelhouse was six over.
"I didn't think at 41 years old I would play with someone when I was triple their age. I'm not that old," said Hill.
"He was very, very impressive ... although he's not that long at the moment, which will come when he gets stronger.
"When he was in the sand on the 17th he flew it 10 foot past the hole and sucked it back to a couple of feet.
"Then on the last hole he's in the sand again and runs it 30 metres to the hole. He's got all the shots."
An, whose caddie is his father, C. S. An, is a boy of few words.
He politely told journalists he was happy and said he had been nervous.
"It feels good, great," he said, after a lengthy pause when asked about his reaction to his day's golf.
He rated his shot out of the sand at 17, which allowed him to save par, as his shot of the day.
Those who saw the shot described it as extraordinary.
An, who turns 14 next month, is hoping to meet Tiger Woods over the next few days.
An and fellow Rotorua Boys' High School golfer Sam Hunt have been buoyed by the support of up to 20 schoolmates at Paraparaumu.
