Pavin’s prosperous year

Press, 19 September 1985, Page 52

Pavin’s prosperous year

By

BOB SCHUMACHER,

in Auckland Corey Pavin’s enthusiasm was undoubtedly genuine. There was a hint of excitement, perhaps expectancy, in his voice as he discussed his prospects of defending his Broadbank New Zealand Open golf title at Russley from December 5 to 8. The young American professional, speaking to the media in Auckland direct from his Californian home yesterday afternoon, said he expected to be in top form for his second tilt at the New Zealand Open.

Certainly Pavin anywhere near peak form will be a tremendous drawcard for Christchurch galleries, which have had little in the way of big golf tournaments over the last nine years. Pavin, now aged 25, was an emerging player on the United States circuit when he accepted an invitation to play in last year’s New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu Beach. He came as the United States “rookie of the year,” and left as the Open cham-

pion, winning by four strokes and finishing on 269, 19 under par.

His career has blossomed to the extent that he is now a proven champion on the circuit. He now stands fifth on the United States money list for this year, with earnings of ?U5353,440. His world ranking, based on a tournament points system, has improved from thirtysixth last year to sixteenth. Pavin’s consistency over 89 rounds on the 1985 tour is reflected in his second place among the scoring leaders. His stroke average is 70.58 and only Ray Floyd, with 70.53, is ahead of him. But with the consistency there have also been touches of the spectacular. He has scored the most eagles (12) and is tied to eighth on the birdies list with 298. As well he is fifth over all for the most greens hit in regulation. Pavin, of late, has been unable to recapture the golden touch he had in May, “when I had finishes of first, second, third, fourth and

ninth, a nice stretch which put money in the pocket,” but there have been glimpses of a return to his brilliant best.

“I think I’ll be in pretty good shape for the New Zealand Open, the swing is starting to feel good.” That last comment sounded an ominous warning to the 100 and more opponents who will be striving for the main purse in the $lOO,OOO tournament. Last year he was in the process of developing and perfecting a new swing when he tore apart his opposition at Paraparaumu Beach. Updating his most recent appearances, Pavin said he had gone disappointingly in the British Open, but on his return to the United States he had shot 64 in one round of the Hartsford Open, finished ninth in the Western Open and tied for sixth in the United States P.G.A. event. “I felt good about that last one, coming as it did in a major championship,” he said. His most recent tournament was in Japan, where he tied for sixth in the Suntory Open, and his upcoming assignment is the Suntory world match play event next week when he will meet the accomplished South African, Denis Watson, in the first round. “I prefer stroke play, but I’ve got a good short game and I expect to play well — and 1 will need to against Denis.”

Pavin said he had a busy schedule up to two weeks before the New Zealand Open, and would allow himself a week to get ready for his title defence. “I had a lot of fun last year, and that’s not counting golf, that win made it even more so. I’m looking forward to seeing the South Island, and so is my wife (Shannon). I’ve heard it is a beautiful island.” In accounting for his healthy number of eagles, Pavin said that he had refined his swing and was hitting the ball better and longer. “I’m 10 to 15 yards further off the tee and that is carrying over to all my shots; the change of swing has created more power.” With extra power to go with his shot-making precision from tee to green, Pavin should give the Russley course record a fright at some stage of the tournament. The organisers are delighted to have him back. As the Open’s director, Grant Clements, commented: “We are accustomed to seeing young stars on their way up, and once they make their mark they usually price themselves out of our circuit. "But Corey expressed the desire to return after his win at Paraparaumu Beach, and he’s been as good as his word. Never before has the New Zealand circuit had such a currently highly ranked player in a tournament here.”