Golf: Perks joins Kadin Neho in exciting field

Kadin Neho.Photo/John Stone

Northland golfer Kadin Neho is lining up as part of an all-star amateur cast which will tee off in Palmerston North today when the prestigious Charles Tour begins for 2014.

Neho, who is the current New Zealand Amateur Champion, will stride the course with fellow amateurs Luke Toomey, 2013 Charles Tour runner-up and holder of the course record in Palmerston North, Josh Munn, Australian Amateur Champion Tae Koh, New Zealand No1 Vaughan McCall and recent national reps Blair Riordan, Cameron Jones and Tyler Hodge.

However, while Neho and his fellow amateurs are of a high standard, the main drawcard is Manawatu professional Craig Perks.

The 47-year-old, who is known for his career-defining win of The Players Championship in 2002, returns to "competitive golf" for the first time since 2007 to support his home event.

Perks, who these days is a golf analyst for The Golf Channel, delivered one of the most amazing finishes in the history of The Players when he played the final three holes, a par 5, a par 3 and a par 4, in just nine shots to secure his only win on the PGA Tour.

Michael Williams, the general manager at the Manawatu Golf Club, contacted Perks about the possibility of playing in the event.

"It didn't take long to accept his invitation to be a part of a professional event in my home town of Palmerston North and at my home club," Perks said.

"I have longed for the chance to give something back to a community and a club that provided the opportunity for me as a youngster to learn to love this great game."

The winner of the 2014 Charles Tour will walk away with a purse of $40,000.

Fellow Northlanders Alex Tait and Chase McKeown join Neho on the entry list.