Golf: 13 Kiwis to challenge Tiger in Melbourne

Tim Wilkinson has recovered from injury and will contest the Australian Masters starting tomorrow. Photo / Getty Images

Thirteen New Zealand golfers will tee off alongside world No 1 Tiger Woods at the Australian Masters starting in Melbourne tomorrow.

Manawatu's Tim Wilkinson will make his first start since injury ended his United States PGA Tour season early, followed by surgery.

Former Australian Masters champion Michael Campbell, who is now resident in Australia, is also lining up.

Wellington's Gareth Paddison is back from his year on the second-tier Challenge Tour in Europe while Tauranga's Josh Geary is coming off the Nationwide Tour in the United States,

Hastings' Doug Holloway was a late qualifier and will play alongside North Harbour's Josh Carmichael for the first two days at Kingston Heath.

Other New Zealanders confirmed are Michael Long, Mahal Pearce, Brad Shilton, Jared Pender, Michael Hendry, Todd Nicholson, Hamish Robertson, Mark Purser, Mathew Holten and Brenden Stuart.

- NZPA