Andre Stolz with his son Zac will both play in the Australian Open. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited
PARENTS make sacrifices for their kids and Andre Stolz can still remember the club that copped it for his son Zac.
Though his baby boy was only just up on unsteady feet, Stolz took a hacksaw to the graphite shaft of Ping 7-iron and slipped it into Zac's tiny hands.
"Apparently they were worth about $500 a club," Stolz laughs. "I can still remember that club. I cut it down. It went from grip to the head.
"He wouldn't remember but he's seen video of him wobbling around, whacking balls around the backyard."
Eighteen years on, with both Zac and his golf clubs are now fully grown, the sacrifices will pay dividends when the teenager and his Dad make history in the opening round of the Australian Open at Royal Sydney.
Andre and Zac will become only the second father and son to play together in the tournament after Stolz junior won a spot in qualifying on Monday.
Andre Stolz with his 18 year old son Zac who will both be playing in this weeks Australian Open Golf at Royal Sydney Golf Club. pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Limited
Given the genes - and a childhood on the golf circuit - it's not a huge surprise. Andre Stolz is a 25-year tour professional who has played on the PGA Tour, and mum Cathy is a golf pro as well.
"He's beaten me a few times already so its nothing new if it happens again this week," Stolz senior laughed.
"He was always going to play in the Australian Open, whether it was this year or next year or somewhere down the line. We're very proud obviously."
Andre Stolz in action at the Queensland Open at Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Picture: Chris McCormack. Source: News Limited
"He hits the ball properly and strong, he has good ball flight and all those things. If he can settle into the round and play his game, he'll be plenty good enough."
Zac, who is set to go to college in the US next year on a scholarship, said the nerves had eased since Monday, but only "fractionally".
"They are still well and truly there. I can't wait to turn up and play," Zac said.
Stolz senior was regarded one of Australia's top talents and won a PGA Tour event in 2004 but chronic wrist injuries hampered his career.
He was set to skip this week's tournament after a recent flare up but Zac's achievement convinced him to play.
The parental pride is obvious, and so too is good-natured competition between the Stolz clan.
"He has one PGA Tour win up on me, so he uses that call all the time," Zac says.
Andre adds: "I have told him he has to pass me on the career money list before he can hang shit on me. He probably will."
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