13 Feb 2012 - A major coup for the 2012 New Zealand PGA Golf Championship
One of the world’s top 100 players has decided to play in next month’s tournament in Queenstown. Australian Brendan Jones has confirmed his entry and will line up in the opening round at The Hills on March 29.
The 36-year-old New South Welshman is well established amongst the world’s best players, competing in the elite 64-man field at the Accenture World Matchplay Championships in three of the last four years and had soared to a world ranking of 80 by the end of 2011. He has twice represented Australia at the World Cup, teaming up with fellow Aussie Richard Green to finish third in 2008 and then renewing the partnership to claim equal fourth last year.
Jones is no stranger to New Zealand, having played here several times in the past, including the 2004 NZ PGA Championship when he finished second. It will be his first visit to the Queenstown area, but he’s been given plenty of insight into what to expect.
“My caddy, (who is a Kiwi) & many others have told me Queenstown is one of the most beautiful places in the world & also I have heard some fantastic things about The Hills Golf Course. I'm really looking forward to starting my year at the NZ PGA pro-am in late March".
The former US PGA Tour professional now plies his trade on the Japan Tour, where he has been a fixture in the top 20 on the money list since 2007. He bagged five top 10 finishes in 2011, including a victory at The Crowns in April, the second biggest money event on the tour. He is now ranked 22nd overall on the tour’s all time money list.
Jones is the 8th player to be announced in the field for next month’s tournament, joining 10 time US PGA Tour event winner David Frost from South Africa, and the strong New Zealand contingent of Phil Tataurangi, Mark Brown, Richard Lee, Ryan Fox, Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison.
Brendan Jones Fact Box
- Age: 36
- Birthplace: West Wyalong, New South Wales, Australia
- Turned Professional: 1999
- Career Victories: 11
- Current Tour(s): Japan, Australasian
To arrange an interview with Brendan Jones or Tournament Director Michael Glading please contact:
Paul Gunn,
NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship Communications Manager,
Tel: 027 440 9964
Paul@gunncommunications.co.nz
