Golf: School time for golfers

A qualifying school will be staged in January for those wanting to compete on the PGA of New Zealand pro-am golf tour. It is being established by the Professional Golfers' Association of New Zealand. This season's domestic PGA circuit features 22 events offering a total prize purse of $350,000.

As well, there are five seniors-only events, boasting a total prize pool of $110,000. NZPGA chief executive Garth Stirrat said the qualifying event would see a pre-determined number of players earn a ranking to ensure them a start in all PGA events throughout 2008.

The timing of the event is such that players will already have had the opportunity to qualify via the Australasian and Asian schools in November and December.