Golf: Smail signs for $100,000 tournament

A three-day, pro-am-style golf tournament will be staged at the Hamilton and Ngaruawahia Golf Clubs from March 18-20 next year.

Attracted by one of the biggest purses in New Zealand, the cream of the professional ranks from both sides of the Tasman are expected to compete in the Brian Perry Classic.

With at least $100,000 on offer, the tournament will be the biggest professional golf event in the North Island and will boast New Zealand Professional Golfers Association Order of Merit status. Amateurs will compete for up to $40,000 of trophies.

One of New Zealand's most consistently successful golfers, David Smail, has indicated he will play and invitations are being sent to Danny Lee, Michael Campbell, Tim Wilkinson, Mark Brown, Phil Tautarangi and Steve Alker.

Smail is in the world top 100 and will soon team up with PGA rookie Danny Lee to represent New Zealand at the World Cup of Golf in China.

Sir Bob Charles and Australians Peter Senior and Rodger Davies are also potential starters.

PGA national events manager Jim Clelland said the Professional Golfers Association of New Zealand welcomed this partnership with the Perry family in creating what will be the biggest professional golf event in the North Island.