Hale Irwin. REUTERS/Jamie Rhodes
The New Zealand PGA Championship has secured its biggest
golfing name yet in three-time US Open winner Hale Irwin.
It was yesterday confirmed Irwin had agreed to play at The
Hills in February after being convinced to come by New
Zealand's greatest golfer, Sir Bob Charles.
Tournament director Michael Glading said Charles ''planted
the seed'' before this year's inaugural tournament, but Irwin
was unable to make it due to other commitments.
''As always, it's a matter of tapping in to your contacts. It
was a couple of words in the ear at the right time.''
Irwin's career has spanned more than four decades and
includes wins in three majors and 20 PGA Tour events.
He is the most successful player in Champions Tour (50-plus)
history with 208 top-10 finishes, including 45 wins.
Since turning 65 in 2010, Irwin has shot his age or better on
seven occasions in Champions Tour events.
Glading hopes Irwin will not only draw fans, but other
golfers of his calibre to Queenstown.
''First and foremost you look for their pedigree and he
certainly has that. They have to really want to come to New
Zealand, and he does.
''Hale is a legend of the game and we believe that he will be
a major drawcard for the NZ PGA Championship.''
Irwin's son, Steve Irwin, will also take part in the
tournament.
''I cherish the opportunity to come to New Zealand to play in
the NZ PGA Championship,'' Hale Irwin said in a statement.
''To travel with my son Steve, play golf in Queenstown and
then sample some of your renowned fishing and hospitality is
too good to miss.''
Other confirmed players in the tournament include English
cricketer Sir Ian Botham, world amateur No 1 Lydia Ko and
defending champion Michael Hendry.
Tournament directors had cast their net for a Hollywood star
to play in the pro-am associated with the tournament but had
yet to land a catch, Glading said.
Golfing great
• Age: 67
• Majors: Won three US Opens (1974, 1979, 1990)
•
PGA Tour wins: 20
• Champions Tour wins: 45
• Ryder Cup: 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1991
• Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame: 1992.
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