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Edward Rooney reports on a pro-am golf tournament with a great cause as it rides an upswing in interest.

A stunning field of 18 professional women golfers have signed up for the Anita Boon Pro-Am tournament in Auckland next month.

The all-day event at Huapai is the only 18-hole women's pro-am golf championship event in New Zealand.

This year, 18 pros from around the country will be accompanying celebrity sportswomen including Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Ulmer, former world squash champion Dame Susan Devoy and Silver Fern Maria Tutaia, together with the first 52 women amateurs as they compete for prizes. Leading amateurs Cecelia Cho, Lydia Ko and Caroline Bon are confirmed.

The tournament is named after Anita Boon, who passed away in September 2009 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer only 11 months earlier. She had just turned 36. Anita was a professional golfer and former New Zealand and North Harbour representative.

Anita's sister Paula says this is the second time the Anita Boon Pro-Am has been held and is going from strength to strength. "It is being held again at Huapai Golf Club, where we lived for many years, as our dad was the greenkeeper there.

"The tournament is fully supported by the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation with Shortland Street actress Beth Allen and gynaecological cancer survivor and a member of the NZ World Rowing team Fiona Patterson as their ambassadors and we hope to have them at the tournament also."

Anita Boon knew the tournament was being set up before she died.

Paula says her sister was a very down to earth, outgoing person who showed great determination to achieve.

"She was admired for being a long hitter of the ball and was able to back up this skill with a great short game."

Anita also taught a number of beginner golfers in the North Harbour area as well as teaching and inspiring two nephews to learn golf.

Fairway friends

The objectives of the Anita Boon Pro-Am are:

- To provide a build up for the pros to the New Zealand Women's Open or simply to give the professionals a chance to play in a friendly but competitive environment

- For amateurs to have a fun day out

- To raise awareness and funds for gynaecological cancers.

The "Monday of Golf" is on November 8. The event features a Prepare to Play Clinic, goodies on the golf course, post round bubbles and chocolates before prize giving, auction and raffle.

Spectators are welcome as are participants in the auction and raffles.

For more info, see: sites.google.com/site/anitaboonevent/anita-boon-pro-am