Sir Bob cautious on Open but not academy

Sir Bob Charles says there is a good possibility he won't play in next year's New Zealand golf Open at the Hills course near Queenstown.

The 72-year-old, who wowed crowds last year by becoming the oldest player to make the cut of a major PGA tour event and finished 23rd equal, said he was worried he would embarrass himself and if he still felt that way a month out from next March's event, he would not play.

Sir Bob won the British Open in 1963 and has four New Zealand Open titles to his name.

"A lot of people are asking me (about it). I'll see how I feel," New Zealand's first Major winner said.

"I will decide, as I did last year, about a month out. I really would probably prefer not to play. I certainly don't want to go out there and embarrass myself and that's why I say I need a bit of preparation for it.

"Last year I prepared myself, I went down there a week before and played on the golf course. But next year it doesn't look like I will have that opportunity because the PGA at Clearwater is the week before, so a lot depends on what opportunity I have to play."

Sir Bob was in Cambridge to open St Peter's Golf Academy yesterday and, as well as cutting the ribbon to the front door, he had the honour of hitting the first (official) ball.

And in true links golf weather (cold and windy), reminiscent of when Sir Bob won the British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club 45 years ago, his shot was straight down the middle of the new driving range and chased by two keen memorabilia-hunting students.

Sir Bob was taken aback and envious of the facility, as were the other 100 people in attendance.

"I'm most impressed. It's wonderful for young people to have this opportunity and it's a credit to a lot of people."

Sir Bob said top-class facilities, like the new one at St Peter's, would have a huge effect on the number and quality of top level golfers New Zealand produced.

"There's no doubt in my mind," he said.

"You have to have the facilities to turn out a lot of good golfers. I'm somewhat envious. At Clearwater in Christchurch, we have a huge practice area, but we don't have the covered bays. Getting the sponsorship and money behind it like they have here is essential."

Waikato women's No 1 Emily Perry, a student at St Peter's, was also impressed with the academy and said she would spend a lot of time there.

"There are so many opportunities to practise every part of your game. I would actually go as far to say it is the best facility in the country. It has everything and I'll be here when I can."

- © Fairfax NZ News