Wellington Golf reminisces -Campbell, Lane -PBGC

Two of Wellington's best were in the mix on this wonderful day at the links. Defending champion Matthew Lane who had stormed home in 64 at Formosa to leave Michael Campbell and others in his wake, was just out of the lead after 71 68 66.

It would be Campbell storming home to pass Lane and contenders, and get into and win a playoff for the title.

This was a great period for the NZ Open as it circulated the country and had 6 Kiwi champs over 7 years - Long at PBGC in 96, Turner at Middlemore in 97, Lane at Formosa in 98, Campbell at PBGC in 2000, Smail at the Grange in 2001 and Pearce at Middlemore in 2003.

Aussie Craig Parry's win in 2002 at PBGC would see the event not return to the links since, 4 years in Auckland followed by Chch and Queenstown holding every edition since.