Tiger's antics have Kiwis enthralled

Tiger Woods had trouble with his putting in the first round of the NZ Open

By Grant Holloway
CNN

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (CNN) -- Amid security scares and heated controversy over his playing fee, world number 1 golfer Tiger Woods has teed off in the New Zealand Open at the Paraparaumu course just north of the capital Wellington.

In what is unquestionably the biggest event in New Zealand's golfing history, Woods made a cautious start Thursday in warm conditions in front of a packed gallery.

Wellington's weather, which is notorious for its gale force winds, was unusually calm but this did not assist Woods who struggled with his putter on the early holes.

At the midway point of the first round, Woods was lying in equal fourth place having shot a one under par 70 for the 18 holes.

Australian Craig Spence and Kiwi Stephen Scahill were equal first on a four under 67.

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Woods is being paid a rumored $2 million (NZ $5 million) to play at the 85th NZ Open, a sum which does not sit well with many New Zealanders' egalitarian approach to sport.

The subsequent higher prices to attend the Open have also caused anguish.

Despite this, golf fans and the merely curious have turned out in their thousands to welcome and watch arguably the world's highest profile sportsman.

Woods was keen to play the NZ Open because his long-time caddie, Steve Williams is from Wellington.

Security, meanwhile, at the Paraparaumu course is tight after unspecified terror threats were made in a letter to the U.S. Embassy in Wellington last week.

The letter, which was posted from within New Zealand, was laced with cyanide, a poison commonly used in New Zealand to eradicate pests such as possums.

Police warned spectators and staff at the Open to be vigilant, especially with foodstuffs.

There was also a scare on Wednesday after a man was spotted with a gun in bushland near the course.

It turned out the man was hunting rabbits.