Greg Turner has confirmed he will line up for the New Zealand Open in Auckland in January.
Turner, the 1989 and 1997 champion, leads a group of top quality New Zealand players who will tee off at The Grange from January 15-18.
Three other leading New Zealand players to confirm their entry
are 2000 open champion Michael Campbell, Phil Tataurangi if he is fit enough after a back problem, and 2001 champion David Smail.
Turner bypassed the tournament last year after his much-publicised spat with organisers over high ticket prices and preferential treatment at the 2001 event at Paraparaumu which featured world No 1 Tiger Woods.
He has decided to end his 18-year commitment to the European PGA Tour and is now based in Queenstown.
He will play in a number of Australasian PGA Tour events and concentrate on his golf business interests.
Turner, who has won more than $7 million on the European Tour, including four victories, said he was looking forward to returning to the open, especially in the 50th anniversary of Sir Bob Charles' first win.
"I'm keen to play again and to play well. I've only played in 12 events on the European Tour this year and played quite well," Turner said.
"I'd like to think that I will be competitive when I play at The Grange. It will add a nice element to the event with the commemoration of 50 years since Bob first won the open.
"He put professional golf on the map in this country and he has played the lead role in New Zealand golf for 50 years."
Campbell has enjoyed much improved form since his return to the European Tour, including victory in the Irish Open and second in the European Masters. He is now ranked No 44 in the world, the top world ranked New Zealand golfer.
He is currently playing in the World Cup with Smail in the United States.
- NZPA
