Kazuma Kobori (NZ)
The name on everyone’s lips. Daniel Hillier is the leading Kiwi, Steven Alker would cause a near-riot if he continues his late-career resurgence with victory, and local hope Ben Campbell is a thoroughly decent chap. But Kobori, just 22 and having made an astonishing start to his professional career, is the potential New Zealand fairy tale.
Michael Hendry (NZ)
What was that about a fairy tale? If Hendry can win a second Open just months after beating cancer, there will not be a dry eye at Millbrook. Likely to have the biggest gallery for the next two days.
David Micheluzzi (Aus)
Just has one of those names that sounds like it will be high on a leaderboard. Has four professional wins, won the Australasian order of merit last season, and played in both the PGA Championship and the British Open last year.
Yuta Sugiura (Japan)
Like Kobori, Sugiura is just 22 and recently turned professional. As an amateur, he won the Dunlop Phoenix in a field that included Hideki Matsuyama and Brooks Koepka.
Gunn Charoenkul (Thai)
Tied for sixth last year. Has 12 professional wins. Also has a first name screaming out to be used in a newspaper headline.
