The Tour is across the ditch for a fortnight of hangi’s and bottles of Tui from the chilly bin. First off is the Lawnmaster Horizon Golf NZ PGA Championship at one of the country’s oldest courses, Manawatu in Palmerston North.

The course in great shape, it should favour those that can hit it straight and stay out of the rough, the strong wind the town is known for is forecast to arrive on Saturday and will make things interesting ahead of the final round.

A number of players are in good form and getting their games together for next week’s ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open with the likes of Jake McLeod, Matt Millar, Jarryd Felton and Ash Hall all capable of making a charge up the leaderboard as should defending champion Brad Kennedy.

#1 David Bransdon

Would love nothing more to put his name on this trophy and claim bragging rights back from his mate Matt Millar, has shot some good scores early this year including a top-16 finish in last month’s ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth but does have a question mark over his health this week.

#2 Mitchell Brown

Past winner of this event and on a hot streak in pro-am’s back in Australia the last week, this ‘Lad’ is certainly not ‘Broke’, surely a free bet in my account after that one Mitch! Can he continue the form? It has been a long while since a player in a visor has saluted.

#3 Grant Waite

The local favourite and past PGA TOUR winner who’s game still looks in good shape. Will be the first player we’ve seen in a while putting side-saddle in a Pro tournament, he’s the first to say he’s struggled putting beyond 10-feet, combined with his knowledge of the course, could be the game changer this week.

#4 Ben Campbell

This Kiwi grew up not too far from here and has plenty of local experience, and not just where to find the big boars around town! He’s been steadily improving his play the last six months, he would also be a popular winner, tipping the hangi at his joint could be massive if he gets up!

#5 Tim Hart

Too good a player not to have won yet and gets his chance this week, one of the longest hitter’s on Tour so could dominate this shorter course if he’s dialled in.