Photo credit: PhotosportNZ

Queenstown, New Zealand, February 28: Read what players have to say following the opening round of the 100th New Zealand Open on Thursday.

Zach Murray (Aus) – First round 63 (-8), Millbrook Resort

It was a strange warm up for me. I hit about five balls and I was like ‘I’m not going to get warm’, and so I just sat in the pro shop and waited until the sun came out, hit a couple of putts and off I went.

I do that back at home when I’m just playing with my mates so I suppose I might have to do that more often now.

It was pretty steady, I didn’t miss too many fairways and I don’t think I missed a green. It was pretty straightforward, I putted well and everything just sort of clicked and I got a lucky bounce here and there where I needed it. Sometimes those rounds just pop up at the right time and it was fortunate enough that it happened here.

It’s my Dad’s birthday today. He messaged me last night and said 65 would be nice, considering he was born in 1965, so I added a couple of years onto him today with a 63. I spoke to him quickly just before and he said he doesn’t mind.

I love both tracks, I felt as though The Hills suited me a little bit more so it will be interesting to see how I go tomorrow. I haven’t been driving it well lately and that’s what’s been letting me down but I drove it well today.

This is the lowest round I’ve shot as a professional, I’ve had 61 on my home course as an amateur, but this would be one of the best rounds I’ve had since turning professional.

Harry Bateman (Nzl) – First round 64 (-8), The Hills

It was one of the weirdest rounds I have ever had. I topped it off the first tee and made bogey there and the next hole. Then I stuck in and got it back to par, and then lit it up over the last six or seven holes.

I honestly feel I didn’t play that well but got some good breaks and holed some great putts. My short game was unreal. I had a good two days at the Open last year but bit my legs off a bit. Hopefully I will just keep charging this time.

Ryuko Tokimatsu (Jpn) – First round 64 (-8), The Hills

I gave myself a lot of birdie chances today and I putted well. Playing in this pro-am format helps me to stay relax, although the round takes longer than usual. I hope to play the same for the next three days. I didn’t expect to play so well today so I hope to continue play well tomorrow.

Panuphol Pittayarat (Tha) – First round 67 (-5), The Hills

Six birdies on the back, it was a really solid nine. It was just too cold in the morning when we started. I wasn’t awake and I wasn’t moving (laughs).

I made a good par on the eighth hole. I was in the rocks but managed to get up and down from about 170 yards. The game started to warm up from there and I am very happy.

I putted better on the back nine although I missed a good birdie putt on the 10th. I think the turning point was the sun! It came up and I started rolling in the putts. The two putts for birdie on 17 was not too hard.

I made a great birdie on the 16th as well. It was a tough par-three. I got a good read from my fellow partner Poom (Saksansin). It was a really nice day. I really enjoyed the pro-am format. I  played with Eric, my amateur partner, whom I have played with before in Indonesia.

I played with Poom’s partner Lisa as well. They kept me calm. I kept myself calm. I kept them entertained and things went the good way! Playing at the Millbrook Resort tomorrow. It’s a birdie course. I will aim to keep my ball on the fairways and make as many birdies as possible.

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – First round 68 (-4), The Hills

It was good making four birdies on the back nine. I have been hitting my irons good for a while now and my swing has become better too. But I haven’t been able to put up a good score, until today. I felt nervous out there. I don’t know why.

But when I kept making birdies out there, I told myself that I can do it. That kept me going. It was good playing with Panuphol (Pittayarat). We had good fun out there.

It’s my second time here. The weather was much cooler than last year I thought. Hopefully we get some sun tomorrow.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha) – First round 68 (-4), The Hills

I hit my tee shots very good today. It’s my second time here and I am still enjoying it as much as I did last year. My iron-play was good too and I putted well. Just a bad drive on my last hole ninth but overall, it was good.

The birdie on the 18 was good. Tight fairway but I hit it straight down and made a seven-footer for birdie. Playing in the morning tomorrow at Millbrook Resort, it’s going to be very cold so I will just try and stay warm.

The course is in great conditions. The only thing I need to do is to keep myself warm. I love this country. It’s a very beautiful place, good food as well. Playing with the amateurs and my good friend Danthai (Boonma) has helped me stay relaxed out there too.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) – First round 69 (-3), The Hills

It was a good round, except for the finish. I bogeyed the 18th but overall, it was a great round, especially the company. I really enjoyed it today. I started off really solid. That was the highlight for me. I got to four-under after six holes. It’s always a good way to start the round.

Another highlight was playing alongside Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming today. They are superstars in cricket and we, Indians, are into cricket so it’s pretty amazing to be playing with them.

I have been to Auckland before but it’s my first time in Queenstown. It’s been amazing. It’s a really special place. I think I will be coming back here every year for sure.

The aim for tomorrow is to play a bit more solid than I did today. I should be fine if I can take out the errors that I made today.