Edition 5 of the NT PGA golf championship has been confirmed as COVID-19 restrictions ease

Defending champion Brett Rankin among several big names heading to Palmerston for the NT PGA Championship

Queenslander Brett Rankin fired a course record equalling 8-under par 63 on the final day to win his first PGA title and first NT PGA crown. Picture: PGA Australia

REIGNING NT PGA golf champion Brett Rankin will lead a host of stars in this year’s fifth annual Tailor-made Building Services NT PGA Championship.

The 54-hole, $70,00 tournament is set down for October 23-25 at Palmerston Golf Club.

Due to restrictions on interstate and international travel, the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia tournament will be played as a non-order of merit event.

Entries will be open to players allowed to travel to the NT without restrictions.

Australian stars Jason Norris, Michael Sim, Matt Millar and Aaron Pike have already confirmed they will be at the first tee on October 23.

In another positive, players from Greater Sydney are expected to join the star-studded field with travel restrictions in NSW easing from October 9.

Rankin is looking forward to returning to the Top End in defence of his 2019 crown.

“Opportunities to play tournaments have been limited since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, so those of us able to play are very grateful to the PGA and all of the major stakeholders for running this tournament,’’ he said.

“My game has been a little bit rusty lately but I’m looking forward to dusting off the clubs a bit more and getting back out there.”

ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Tournaments Director Nick Dastey said the running of the NT PGA as important to give those fortunate enough to live in the states able to travel an opportunity to compete at a high level event.

“The current border restrictions have meant approximately 50 per cent of our exempt players would be able to travel to the Northern Territory in October and this grows to around 70 per cent with those from Greater Sydney included,’’ he said.

“The continued support and dedication of major stakeholders, Tailor-made Building Services, the Northern Territory Government and the City of Palmerston Council in bringing the event to Palmerston in 2020 is greatly appreciated.’’