15 Feb 2009

Sir Bob to play NZ Open next month

9:16 am on 15 February 2009

Sir Bob Charles will play the New Zealand Open in Arrowtown next month.

Having been assured he wasn't taking the place of a young professional, Sir Bob has agreed to return to The Hills for the Open, which is co-sanctioned between the Australasian Tour and the US-based Nationwide Tour.

Sir Bob, who turned professional almost 50 years ago, says last time was a lot of fun and it gave him a lot of satisfaction and stimulated interest from the golfing public.

He says a key to his performance in 2007, he finished tied for 23rd, was his preparation which would not be quite as good this time around.

There is incentive for Sir Bob to make the cut at the 91st New Zealand Open.

He'll celebrate his 73rd birthday on the Saturday of the championship.