Four of New Zealand's top players will line up in the inaugural Wachovia Championship at the quaintly-named Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, North Carolina for the latest stop on the US PGA Tour starting today.
Steve Alker, Michael Campbell, Craig Perks and Phil Tataurangi are all turning out for the
event, the 19th event on the Tour. For Campbell, it is a chance to try and rediscover his form after a miserable run this year.
At stake is a US$5.6 million prize money pool.
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Speculation is running hot in the US about when Tiger Woods will make his next appearance on the Tour.
He was tipped to turn up for the Wachovia, but the deadline passed without an entry and this is shaping as the longest break he has ever had from the Tour. Unless he decides to enter the Colonial this month, he is facing a six-tournament break before entering Jack Nicklaus' Memorial tournament.
Woods remains third on the money list behind leader Davis Love and Master champion Mike Weir. The 27-year-old has won three of the six tournaments he has entered this year and only one other golfer in the top 30, 30th-ranked Fred Couples, has played as few events as Woods.
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Annika Sorenstam is setting the pace in the LPGA Order of Merit with US$554,500 in winnings.
South Korea's Se Ri Pak is second on $545,779 followed by her compatriot Grace Park on $409,473.
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The Auckland pennants are down to the last four contenders, with the battle for places in the Bissett Shield final at Pukekohe on Sunday.
Grange, led by Logan Holzer, won the round robin and take on Titirangi, while Manukau face defending champions Auckland, who can list former national representatives Chris Johns, Mike Barltrop and David Somervaille in their lineup.
In the President's Cup semifinals, Aviation take on Pukekohe and Howick face Onewhero. The two finalists are assured of promotion to next season's Bissett Shield. Those relegated from the Bissett this year are Maungakiekie and Remuera.
In a nostalgic finale, Papakura Camp, who are to drop out of existence on June 30, play Pakuranga in the handicap pennant final at Aviation on Sunday.
They have won the last two finals and a hat-trick at the weekend would be an ideal sendoff.
The land on which the 18-hole course sits is to be sold off.
