Golf: Smail attracts Japanese golfers

Three Japanese golfers will tee off in next week's New Zealand Open, attracted Downunder by the exploits of New Zealand's David Smail.

The 2001 NZ Open champion enjoyed much success on the Japan Tour last year, winning two titles, including the Japan Open.

Well-performed Japanese player Katsumune Imai contacted Smail about playing in New Zealand, and will be joined by two other tour players for the tournament at Auckland Golf Club.

"We helped out Imai to come out and now two other players will join him. They are all quite talented and will add some interest to the tournament for sure," Smail said.

"The Japan Tour is not starting until April and some players were looking to get started and so New Zealand was a good opportunity for them."

The top ranked of the trio is Nozomi Kawahara, 46th on the Japan Tour last year with a best second in the Tokai Classic.

Imai was 56th on the tour last year after coming to prominence in 2001. Hirokazu Kuniyoshi, 69th on the tour, is the most experienced.

Smail finished fifth on the Order of Merit on the Japan Tour last year, earning about $1.3 million.

Another entrant in the Open is former US PGA champion Wayne Grady.

The Australian, with seven career victories, won his first tournament shortly after turning professional in 1978, and took out the US PGA Championship in 1990.

He has been in virtual retirement before returning to play in the US Open last year, and made six of eight cuts during the Australasian season. This summer he finished in a tie for second in the New South Wales Open, 35th in the Australian Open and 39th in the Mastercard Masters.

Grady is the chairman of the Australasian PGA Tour. The Open runs from January 16-19.

* Wellington professional Lynnette Brooky has given Women's Golf New Zealand its New Year's wish by declaring herself fit for exhibition matches this month.

The European Tour regular will make her comeback from a broken left elbow in four matches against US LPGA Tour player Marnie McGuire.

They will square off at Christchurch's Coringa course on January 20 before playing in Wellington on January 21, Auckland on January 26 and Tauranga on January 27.

The matches will be played over nine holes and will follow junior coaching clinics at each venue.

- NZPA