Pavin puts in practice

Press, 3 December 1985, Page 48

Pavin puts in practice

The American golfer, Corey Pavin, braved miserable weather to get in some quick practice at the Russley course yesterday and came away happy with his form and playing conditions for this week’s New Zealand Open. The 25-year-old Californian, who will be defending the title he won at Paraparaumu Beach last year, was only a few hours in Christchurch before he put

in some putting practice. “I hit a few putts and found the greens very nice,” he said last evening. “It was a lot like last year at Paraparaumu, very nice.” Despite the rain which fell continuously in Christchurch yesterday, Pavin felt the greens were still fast enough to make putting interesting. “If the sun comes out they should be very slick,” he said.

The American, who was placed sixth on the U.S. money list for the year, competed in tournaments in Japan and Hawaii recently before flying into New Zealand.

He plans to make the New Zealand Open his last tournament for the year. “It will be my last tournament for the year. My game’s in good shape, and I’ve been doing some good work with my teacher

recently, so I’m quite hopeful of being able to defend the title,” he added.

Pavin plans to stay on in New Zealand for a short while after the tournament to try some fishing before flying back to the United States to spend Christmas.

He will have a complete lay-off from tournament play before the UJS. tour begins in January.