14 - 17 February 2008

New Zealand's premiere golf tournament of the summer, the 2008 HSBC NZ PGA Championship, will be hosted by Christchurch's Clearwater Golf Club from 14 - 17 February, with a prize-purse of $US650,000.

Michael Campbell to play in HSBC New Zealand PGA Championship

Michael Campbell will play in his first New Zealand PGA Championship when he tees off in the event on 14 February 2008 at Christchurch's Clearwater golf course.

The HSBC-sponsored event was only reinstated in 2004 after a gap of 15 years and Campbell wants to make his event debut a winning one.

"I'm delighted to be able to play in this event for the first time. It is one of the two great events on the New Zealand calendar and while I have been able to play in the New Zealand Open every year other commitments have stopped me coming to Clearwater."

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says it is wonderful that Campbell is coming to Christchurch to play in this year's HSBC New Zealand PGA Championship. "Michael will be a huge drawcard at this wonderful event which is firmly established as Christchurch biggest annual sporting event," Bob Parker says. "The event not only attracts thousands of spectators to the picturesque and challenging Clearwater course, but it also has an international viewing audience of more than 60 million. Michael's appearance will raise the profile of the event and Christchurch even further."

Parker says that Christchurch City Council is totally supportive of the event and proud to be involved in hosting the PGA. "Every year our residents receive a free pass to this event to watch some of the world's best golfers. Michael's appearance next year will be an added attraction," he says.

For more information please visit www.pgachampionship.co.nz

Christchurch City Council Bonanza of Golf Pass
* Valued at $110 *

In 2006 the Christchurch City Council introduced to the city a "Bonanza of Golf". Again in 2008, you will find enclosed in your rates instalment a complimentary Family Pass valued at $110 to enjoy all the amazing action of top international golfers at Clearwater alongside the added events and activities provided on course.

You may use your complimentary Family Pass each day from Thursday 14 February - Sunday 17 February 2008 to allow you entry to the HSBC NZ PGA Championship and all the activities on course.

* Just present your rates insert daily at the gates for validation.

Putting in the Square

Try your hand at putting for cash in Cathedral Square on Wednesday 13th February from 12.30pm – 2pm.

Putting competitions will be held and Canterbury Golf Professional Toni Batey will be present to teach you a few handy tips. Lots of prizes are up for grabs including Cash and Sports Bags filled with HSBC merchandise, so make sure you come down to the Square and show us your skill!

Cash for your school!

Simply write your name and nominated school on your rates pass and drop into the barrel upon entry to the HSBC New Zealand PGA championship.

Schools that receive the most number of nominations* stand to win cash prizes of $2,000 and $1,000 from Classic Hits 97.7FM and the opportunity to have two golf pros attend their school and host a Give Golf a Go session. The pass must be in the barrel by 11:30am on Sunday 17th Feb. The winning school will be announced on Sunday 17th February at 12 noon on course.

* These nominations will be pro-rata the size of the school divided by the number of students.

Give golf a go - free clinics

Come along to Clearwater during the HSBC NZ PGA Championship and learn how much fun it really is to "Give Golf a Go". There will be FREE golf clinics from Thursday 14 February - Sunday 17 February 2008. There will be beginner men, women and children's clinics.

Clinics are held on course daily from 10am-4pm running every hour. Be there for spot prizes and fun for the whole family.

MAIN PRIZE DRAW - Finals Day 17 February 2008

Come and enjoy an action packed Bonanza of Golf with your Christchurch City Council complimentary family pass* and enter into the main prize draw. Every entry placed into the barrel before 11:30am is in to win prizes from a prize pool of up to $5000. Simply be on course at Clearwater Golf Club at 12 noon, Sunday 17 February 2008, to win!

1st PRIZE

• 4 nights accommodation for 2 at Peppers Beacon in Queenstown. Return airfares included/ (booking dates subject to availability)
• Men's and women's sets of golf clubs up to the value of $2500, courtesy of HSBC.

2nd PRIZE

• A weekend of accommodation at Peppers Clearwater Resort and breakfast for two. Courtesy of Peppers Resorts.

So keep your Christchurch City Council complimentary family pass with you and be in to win fabulous prizes as well as enabling you to "Give Golf a Go".

* FAMILY PASS - valid for family members that are living in the same household