Michael Hendry took the honours but another New Zealander made a significant impression at The Hills at the weekend.
Ryan Fox's third placing in the New Zealand PGA Championship announced his arrival into the professional ranks.
The 24-year-old finished just three shots behind Hendry, and said he was delighted with his overall performance.
"To be honest, after the front nine and Mike was charging, I thought we were playing for places," Fox said.
"I had a couple of chances on the back nine and had a few putts that didn't go in, but I can't complain. I played really well over the weekend."
Fox's rookie year got off to a fine start in January when he registered his first professional win at the Martinborough pro-am.
At The Hills, he opened with a scratchy 2-over 74 but followed with a 69, a sizzling tournament-low 64 and a 68.
"It's just nice to, I guess, feel like I can compete with these guys," Fox said.
"You never know quite when you turn pro. You can put a lot of work in to get to that point and its really nice to put myself in with a chance."
He was followed by his father, All Black great Grant Fox, his mother and his girlfriend around the course for the full four days of the tournament, as well as having his coach on the caddy bag with him every step of the way.
Fox, who secured a card for the OneAsia Tour this year, said coming so close to winning the PGA was a good sign he was on the right track.
"It just proves to myself I belong in the professional ranks."
Fox was pleased to see Hendry take the top prize at The Hills.
"Probably of all the guys up there he is the guy who has won and had success overseas, and I know he's been itching for a home win."
In the inaugural pro-am which accompanied the PGA, Australian professional Peter Cooke teamed up with Dunedin amateur Jason Hughes to post the winning score. The pair finished 19-under with scores of 62 and 63 over the weekend.
