Council support brings free entry to golf tournament for all

Cantabrians will be able to see some of the world’s best golfers free of charge during the New Zealand Professional Golf Association Championship (NZPGA) which kicks off at Clearwater on Thursday.

Thanks to Christchurch City Council support, entry to the championship, which runs from 26–29 February, has been waived. There will be a gold coin donation to Rainbow Children’s Trust, the official charity of the NZPGA Championship. Ample parking is provided on course for $5.

Key players competing include Christchurch’s Eddie Lee, Steve Alker (Clearwater’s touring professional) Michael Long and David Smail. Last year’s winner, Ryan Palmer, has now graduated to the full PGA Tour in the United States. The total field will include 73 players from the United States, 73 from the Australasian tour and 10 invitees.

Clearwater is located on John’s Rd near the Groynes. Play starts at 8am on Thursday and Friday and 9am on Saturday and Sunday.

• See www.pgachampionship.co.nz for more information.

The NZPGA tournament is just one of a number of major events that are being held in Christchurch this summer with help and support from the City Council. National and international events that have this year made their home in Christchurch include the recently held Men’s World Softball Championships (see page three) and the CMAS 2004 World Underwater Hockey Championships.

• For more information about this and other sports tournaments coming up in the city, see www.sportsdestination.christchurch.org.nz/sportsdestination/events