Defending champion Steve Alker is looking to put a disappointing finish to the 2009 season behind him when he tees off at the New Zealand PGA Championship at Christchurch's Clearwater course this month.
Alker followed last year's PGA win with a 13th place at the New Zealand Open in March, but his good form slipped away and he failed to get his full PGA tour card by finishing in the top 25 on the order of merit as he had expected.
Another to have had a year of disappointments was last year's PGA runner-up, Josh Geary.
After his second at Clearwater and a tie for fourth at the New Zealand Open, Geary was confident of getting starts on the Nationwide Tour in 2009. However, he was forced to ply his trade back on the Canadian Tour when they did not eventuate.
Alker and Geary will be joined by several other New Zealanders looking to kick start their careers at Clearwater.
Grant Waite is returning home as a "born again" left-handed putter, while former PGA Tour winner Phil Tataurangi and former New Zealand Open winner Mahal Pearce will also be among the competition.
The championship runs from January 21 to 24.
