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The NZ Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) is bringing some top golfing action to Gulf Harbour Country Club next year.
The NZ PGA championship is one of the tournaments on the PGA Tour of Australasia. It is scheduled for April 7-10 and it’s the first time the Gulf Harbour course has hosted this particular event, which was last played in Auckland seven years ago.
Other prestigious tournaments held on the Gulf Harbour course include Golf World Cup in 1998, two NZ Opens in the mid-2000s and the Charles Tour last season.
Gulf Harbour Country Club’s director of golf, Frazer Bond, says the PGA will be a great event for the community, as well as the club.
“After the success of the Charles tour, this is another step forward for the club,” Frazer says. “It’s a chance to see a top field of NZ and international players right in our backyard.”
He says the plan is to make the event free to watch, as well as having sponsor areas and VIP areas with ticket access.
“There will be something for everyone who wants to come along and enjoy the event,” he says.
PGA events marketing and communications manager Nick Cowan says although it’s too early to give definite numbers, they are planning for 100-120 top players to take part. National and global media generally provide coverage of the tournament.
“The NZ PGA Championship is the country’s second biggest golf tournament (the NZ Open is the biggest) and as it is being staged a week after the NZ Open, we are expecting a fantastic occasion at Gulf Harbour Country Club,” Cowan says.
As well as prize money, the winner gets an Australasian tour card, which Cowan says is very sought after.
PGA championship fact check
• The NZ PGA Championship was first played in 1920, and has featured many famous champions including Andy Shaw, Kel Nagle, Sir Bob Charles, Greg Turner, Frank Nobilo, and Michael Hendry. • The tournament also fosters up and coming talent with major championship winners Jason Day and Bubba Watson being past competitors.
