Hunter Haas has tasted the rare air of the PGA Tour and is "starving" to get back to the top.
Haas is one of a handful of players preparing for the New Zealand Open who has experience of the elite level of golf.The compact American with the Texan twang turned professional in 2000 and played on the PGA Tour in 2001 and 2005. He has also played in two Major tournaments, missing the cut in the 2000 Masters and the 2008 US Open.
Over the past three years, he has had to be content with life on the Nationwide Tour, though he nearly made it back to the top last year by finishing 27th on a money list that gives PGA Tour status to the top 25.
"I guess I'm starving," Haas responded drily when asked if he was hungry for a place back at the top table.
"At the end of last year, I was playing well. I worked hard in the off-season but I've still got to work on things to get my game back."
Haas finished tied for 41st at the New Zealand PGA at Clearwater at the weekend with a four-under 284. He cut a slightly frustrated figure after his final round as he reflected on his performance.
"I wish I'd played a little better but it is what it is.
"I'm just not clicking on all four cylinders now."
Haas, who is married to Lorie and has a young daughter, Piper, came to Queenstown six years ago for a holiday but had not seen the Hills course before yesterday. He said there were mixed feelings among the group of American players about making the long trip south to play in the three-tournament swing through Australia and New Zealand.
"I'm sure some guys dread coming down here and some guys like it. It's an opportunity to play in a golf tournament and the weather's good. I don't mind it."
Haas has become a popular figure on the tour as he has occasionally hauled his mobile barbecue and smoker - he is from Texas, after all - to tournaments. He is no relation to Jay Haas, the nine-time PGA Tour winner who now plays on the senior tour.
