NZ PGA returns to Manawatu
The New Zealand PGA Championship is returning to Manawatu for a second consecutive year.
Manawatu Golf Club general manager Warren Collett confirmed they had come to an agreement with the New Zealand PGA yesterday.
The tournament, also hosted by the Palmerston North club in 2017, tees off the week before the New Zealand Open and is part of the Australasian PGA Tour meaning it attracts a strong field.
It will be held from February 22-25 and carries a prize pool of $125,000.
Collett, who took on his role a couple of weeks after the 2017 tournament wrapped up, said he was excited to have the tournament back.
‘‘I have been involved in golf administration for a long time and been to a lot of events, but have never been involved in running a tournament of this magnitude. I am looking forward to the challenge, that is for sure.’’
Collett was part of the large public gallery on the course for the final two days in March.
‘‘I thought the place was just stunning. The course was in great condition. It was a bit windy on the Saturday, but they play to conditions.’’
New Zealand PGA general manager Dominic Sainsbury said Manawatu would benefit from a longer preparation time after taking on the hosting role just a couple of months out last time.
‘‘The 2017 Lawnmaster Horizon Golf NZ PGA Championship was an overwhelming success, the players loved the hospitality shown by the Palmerston North community and the Hokowhitu course that was presented in immaculate condition,’’ he said. ‘‘The tournament exceeded all our expectations and we have been doing everything we can to get the event back to the region for another year.’’
The announcement ends a lengthly negotiation period which started back in April.
Collett confirmed the club had turned down the initial invitation to host the event.
‘‘The PGA weren’t going to be financially involved in it and once we declined to host it, they reconsidered their situation in it.’’
Collett said they were yet to lock in deals with major sponsors Horizon Golf Trust and Lawnmaster, but they were likely be back on board, as was the Palmerston North City Council with the tournament qualifying under the Sports Event Partnership Fund.
‘‘I have been out to speak to all of our key sponsors. As of yet I am yet to tie in contractually with them but they are all indicating that they want to be involved again,’’ Collett said.
It will be the sixth time Manawatu has hosted the event with an estimated 8000 spectators watching the 2017 event.
Australian Jarryd Felton claimed the 2017 title after a threeway shoot-out with compatriot Josh Younger and Kiwi Ben Campbell in front of a large gallery.
Other winners at the course were Arthur Ham (1922), Fred Rutter (1930), Andy Shaw (1946) and Kel Nagle (1957).