New Zealand golfer Steve Alker is hoping to put a disappointing end to his 2009 season behind him when he turns out to defend his New Zealand PGA Championship title in Christchurch next week.
Alker started well last year with the title win at Clearwater and finishing 13th in the Michael Hill New Zealand Open a few weeks later, but failed to find consistent form after the early successes.
A number of New Zealanders will join Alker in the 2010 championship title race including the 2009 runner-up Josh Geary and former PGA Tour winner Phil Tataurangi.
Australian golfer Stephen Allan, who won the Australian Open in 2002 and plays mainly in the US, may also turn out next week after receiving one of 10 sponsor's invites to the tournament.
Fellow Australian Paul Spargo and Fijian, Krishna Singh, elder brother to world-ranked Vijay Singh, have also received invites.
