It was a blast from the past when Nick Watney’s name popped up on the first page of the leaderboard after round one of the New Zealand Open at Queenstown.
While round two on Friday wasn’t as productive for the five-time PGA Tour winner on an otherwise low-scoring day on Millbrook’s Remarkables layout, the American will be playing the weekend. He says he's feeling good and hitting the ball as well as ever.
Watney mixed three birdies with two bogeys in his one-under 71, taking him to five-under for the championship. At time of writing, he is T17.
Watney immediately passes every eye test imaginable when you watch him play. A tall man, he has a big, long, easy move which has clearly stood the test of time. His tempo and composure has a lot of Ernie Els about it, which is one of the better swing-related compliments you could receive.
At 44, Watney is clearly enjoying his first trip to NZ since 2004. He has even booked in another tournament, making the trip north to Auckland to contest the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan Australasia Championship next week.
Watney's priority is to keep playing golf; he still has goals. With the changes to the PGA Tour schedule and fields, the former top-10 player in the world’s conditional status (past winner) doesn’t get him as many starts as it did. So, the invite to the NZ Open came at the right time, because he is super keen to stay active.
“The playing opportunities in the States on the PGA Tour have become harder to come by,” Watney admits to Golf Australia Magazine.
“With a few of the adjustments that they're making to field size and eligibility and such, and with my status, I wasn't getting into anything and didn't look like I was going to get into anything relatively soon.
“So, kind of examining the world,” he laughs.
“I'm a pro golfer, so where's the golf opportunity?
“They were nice enough to have me here. So, it was a no-brainer, really.”
Even after such a long and successful pro career, the will to keep developing is commendable; there is no indication that Watney is winding down anytime soon. The American was a brilliant watch as he worked his way around Millbrook, partnered with the young South Australian, Jack Buchanan.
“I just want to play as much competitive golf as I can because I really believe that's where you improve,” Watney says.
Over the course of his career, he got to see Tiger Woods at the peak of his powers. Even taking him down during the 2012 Match Play Championship.
“Playing him [Tiger] in the match play, it was a bit surreal, to be honest,” Watney says.
“He kind of changed golf forever. Just with how he plays and how it's perceived.
“Just a legend. Looking back, it was incredible to be around him a little bit.”
Tomorrow’s third round will be a new challenge for the experienced Californian as the NZ Open moves from two different layouts to a Composite Course. Something unique to the Championship, and a first for Watney.
“I've never done that in a golf tournament, so it's kind of fun,” Watney says.
“I guess we play the front nine of the Remarkables, which, if you drive it in the fairway, is gettable.
“I just want to play as much competitive golf as I can because I really believe that's where you improve." - Nick Watney.
“I'm not worried about making a mistake, but I'm still unclear about which holes we're playing on the other side. I'll tell you tomorrow how that goes,” he jokes.
Watney will head to Royal Auckland next week, but before he goes, he is keen to check out what Queenstown has to offer. But it’ll have to wait, as Watney will put his feet up after 25 holes today, after play was delayed and cut short on Thursday.
“I was hoping this afternoon to maybe go into town. I heard the Gondola is incredible.
"At this point, I'm pretty tired, so I don't know if I'll make it there today, but I would love to.
“I'm not leaving till Monday, so maybe Sunday afternoon, I can go check some things out.”
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