Fresh from his announcement he will defend his Olympic rowing title in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Drysdale accepted an invitation from tournament partner Milford Track Walks to play in the second PGA at The Hills, from February 28 to March 3.
Drysdale is a keen golfer, but had to cut down his time on course since injuring his back in 2010.
However, he still plays off a useful handicap of 15.7 and is looking forward to teeing up alongside the pros.
Organising committee chairman John Hart said it was "fantastic news" for the event.
"We are delighted we are to have such an iconic sportsman join our list of celebrity golfers.
"Mahe is an inspiration to young athletes around the country and he will be a huge drawcard on the fairways at The Hills."
Other sporting celebrities confirmed in the tournament include cricketers Sir Ian Botham, Tony Greig and Mark Richardson, rugby stars Justin Marshall, George Gregan and Nick Farr-Jones as well as teenage golfing sensation Lydia Ko.
