New Zealand PGA Golf Championship

Held at the Clearwater course, the New Zealand PGA Golf Championship is one of New Zealand's oldest tournaments, dating back to 1920.

Originally a matchplay competition, the event is now decided on strokes (the lowest number winning) rather than on number of holes won.

The championship attracts top golfers from New Zealand, Australia and around the world due to its status as a PGA-sactioned event.

Australian Peter O'Malley won the inaugural Clearwater Classic in 2002 with a winning score of of 17-under par. That score is yet to be beaten although American Ryan Palmer equalled that total in 2003.

US Open winner Michael Campbell will play in the event for the first time in 2008.

"I have never played at Clearwater. The last time I played in Christchurch was back in my amateur days, so I am looking forward to the event and to being in Christchurch once again." he said in a press release.