Golf: Sydney next target for Tataurangi

An optimistic Phil Tataurangi will take another walk down his comeback trail at this week's Australian Open in Sydney.

The Taupo-based touring professional has entered the Australasian Tour's three pre-Christmas events before Hawaii's Sony Open in January.

The 33-year-old will play the Australian Open, which starts on Thursday, and the Australian PGA and Mastercard Masters over the next three weeks.

He won the Australian PGA title in 1996.

Tataurangi retired injured following a first-round 75 in October's Southern Farm event on the US PGA.

"I had a small twinge in my back and it gave similar symptoms to last year. It stopped me from playing to be honest," said Tataurangi.

However, the injury wasn't as bad as first thought and now Tataurangi seems to be back on track.

In 12 events, eight on the US PGA Tour and four in the Nationwide Tour, he survived for only three pay days with his world ranking plummeting to 887.

"I've played a few more holes each day than I normally do. In the past I have probably been guilty of practising too much rather than playing."

Tataurangi's career has been blighted with injuries and he has undergone treatment for back, neck and heart problems since turning professional in 1993.

Michael Campbell, Richard Best, Gareth Paddison, Mahal Pearce and Kevin Chun are also in the Australian Open field.

Carl Brooking, Tony Christie, Steve Gordon, Ryan Haywood, Clarke Osborne, Marcus Wheelhouse and Stephen Scahill are entered for the final qualifying.

- NZPA