Decision time is nearing for Sam Hunt.

The University of Nevada Las Vegas senior, who was a huge part of Rotorua Boys' High School's two world championship wins, will finish his four-year Bachelor of Science in June.

Provided he doesn't extend for another two years for a masters degree, Hunt told The Daily Post it's probable he'll return to New Zealand, play amateur tournaments and work closely with his coach, Mal Tongue.

"I like playing golf," the two-time world secondary schools individual and former New Zealand Strokeplay champion said after a warm-up on the Rotorua Golf Club practice range yesterday.
I haven't fully decided anything yet. One of my options will be to come back here and work on my game here and play amateur tournaments in New Zealand."

Hunt isn't in a hurry to turn professional, despite former schoolmates Brad Iles and Mathew Holten having moved into the play-for-pay ranks.

"Most of the people I know who have turned pro said they thought it was going to be something different, but it's still just golf. It's still about hitting your ball close and holing the putt ... whether you're playing for money or amateur golf, it's no big deal."

A reappearance by the 22-year-old on the national scene would be good news for New Zealand Golf, which lost top-ranked amateurs Josh Geary and Mark Purser to the professional ranks last year.

Before Hunt went to the US, he played in both the senior and junior teams for New Zealand. He's played for the UNLV Rockets in the top US competition during the past three years, although last year was a busy one on the study front for Hunt, who is majoring in kinesiology.