Wilson again finds himself listening to ref

For all of Jeff Wilson's rugby career he had to accept the decisions of Paul Honiss.

Yesterday, during the first round of the New Zealand Open Pro-Am Wilson also had to bow to the call from Honiss.

Well, he was supposed to. Whether he did was debatable.

Honiss was a professional rugby referee for much of All Black Wilson's rugby career.

Honiss was never far from the controversy but what referee isn't?

Yesterday, depending on who you talk to, Honiss was again the man in the middle, although this time it was solely for Wilson.

The 46-test referee was the caddie for Wilson at the pro-am in the New Zealand Open event, playing on the Hills course.

Honiss (53), who these days lives in Mount Maunganui and is the chairman of the Mount Maunganui Golf Club, said before the round it was shaping up to be an interesting day.

''Yesterday [at the practice round] I said to him, see that line over there? You didn't know what it was playing rugby but that is the offside line,'' Honiss said.

''But it has been great. We've got a pretty good rapport going. I'll try to give him some advice and who knows whether he'll take it?''

Honiss is a handy player himself, having got down to a 2.8 handicap but is now playing at four.

Wilson, a five handicapper, said he was surprised to get Honiss as a caddie when he went to have a practice round on Wednesday.

''I only realised yesterday. The good thing is we can be honest with each other,'' Wilson said.

''The thing with Paul is you always felt good when you were at home and he was your ref.''

Wilson (43) said the Open was his favourite week of the year, playing in such a beautiful part of the country and having fun while doing it.

Wilson and Honiss combined well yesterday, completing their 18 holes in 4-under and sitting 93rd, teaming with young Australian Josh Younger.

 

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