Golf: Quality entries swell NZ Open

Four players currently ranked in the top 40 on the European Tour Order of Merit have today been confirmed for the New Zealand Open golf championship.

The championship will be held at Gulf Harbour Country Club in Auckland on November 30 - December 3.

Top of the international list are England's Simon Dyson, who is currently ranked 18th on the European Tour Order of Merit and Nick Dougherty who is currently ranked 35th.

The other two are former US Open winner Michael Campbell and Australian Richard Green.

Campbell is currently ranked 26th on the European Tour Order of Merit and 27th in the world.

Left hander Green, is currently ranked 25th on European Tour Order of Merit and 71st in the world.

Other notable entries are Australian teenager Jason Day, 18, who has had two top-10 finishes in his seven starts on the USPGA tour while competing on sponsor invites, and former NZ Open champions Mahal Pearce and Australian Peter O'Malley.

Up and coming young New Zealand professionals Brad Iles and Mathew Holten, both competing on the Asian Tour this year have also entered for their home Open.

List of confirmed players to date (NZ unless stated): Michael Campbell, Richard Green (Australia), Simon Dyson (England), Nick Dougherty (England), Jarrod Lyle (Australia), Brett Rumford (Australia), Peter O'Malley (Australia), Jason Day (Australia), Mahal Pearce, Bradley Iles, Mathew Holten.

- NZPA