Golf: New Zealand PGA set for February tee-off

The country's only international golf tournament of the summer, the New Zealand PGA Championship, will be be played on February 23-26, returning to Christchurch's Clearwater Golf Club with a prize-purse of US$600,000 ($867,177).

The tournament co-sanctioned by the Australasian and United States Nationwide Tour is structured to comprise 78 American professionals along with leading players from New Zealand and Australia.

Last year's tournament was won by Australian Peter O'Malley, who beat compatriot Steven Bowditch on the fourth playoff hole.

It will be the third NZ PGA Championship since the tournament was re-introduced after an absence of 17 years.

- NZPA