Next on the tee . . . Christian Cullen

All Black great Christian Cullen is famous for sidestepping, swerving around and accelerating past opponents on the rugby field but he prefers the straight route nowadays. An avid golfer, he has a 2.6 handicap index and will display his talents at Poverty Bay course on Sunday as a special guest player in the TP Strong 4 Andy fundraising tournament for Poverty Bay-East Coast representative Andrew Higham. Cullen, who played 56 tests and scored 46 tries, is pictured teeing off at Gulf Harbour. Picture by Alan Lee/www.photosportnz

ANDY Higham wouldn’t have wanted a fuss made but he’s getting it.

A fundraising tournament for the Poverty Bay-East Coast representative golfer seriously injured in a car crash in May will have the Poverty Bay course abuzz on Sunday with the biggest field for a tournament in the district in a long time.

As Higham continues his rehabilitation in Auckland from multiple injuries he suffered, over 160 players will be walking the Awapuni Links fairway in the TP Strong 4 Andy tournament.

Among that field will be All Black great Christian Cullen, thanks to Property Brokers.

An auction was being held today at the Gisborne branch of Property Brokers for spots in Cullen’s four. Paraparaumu Beach member Cullen is an accomplished golfer, with a 2.6 handicap index.

All money raised from the tournament, and it is looking like a handsome sum, will help Higham and his whānau as his long recovery continues.

“TP Strong” is a phrase Te Puia Springs member Higham brings out among his mates, and it was a group of friends and fellow rep golfers who came up with the idea of a fundraiser for him.

The momentum quickly built. Donated prizes and items have poured in from within the district and outside, including NZ Golf, professionals, golf companies and individuals.

An auction of special items is to be held after play on Sunday. Among these are a Lydia Ko-signed NZ Women’s Open flag, a Rory McIlroy-signed hat, green fees and cart hireage at the Waitangi, Remuera and St Andrew’s (Hamilton) courses and autographed Warriors jerseys.

Lucky draws and raffles for the likes of a driver and golf bag will be held on top of the tournament prizes.

Co-organiser Dave Keown, a long-time manager of the many PBEC rep teams Higham has played in, summed up the response in two words which he repeated when spoken to yesterday.

“Unbelievably good, unbelievably good,” he said.

“Thanks to everyone who has got behind it from the bottom of our hearts. It’s just huge.”

Such was its popularity that spots were made available for Saturday.

Several players are coming from out of town to be part of it, including Waitangi club professional and former Hawke’s Bay representative Pieter Zwart, who won the Poverty Bay Open in 2006 and jointly holds the championship course record of 8-under 64.

Waka Donnelly is travelling from Napier. A seven-time PB Open winner, Donnelly shares a bond with two-time PB Open champ Higham. Both men started their golf at Te Puia Springs under the eye of Coast legend Peter Rouse.

A good contingent of Te Puia members will be making the trek down State Highway 35.

Others are coming from the likes of Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Higham’s uncle Nigel Higham is also in the field.

The prizegiving is certain to be an emotional event, particularly for Higham’s friends, fellow reps and Te Puia connections.

He remains in the thoughts of many as he takes on a matchplay battle of life.