New Zealand Golf Open organisers believe Danny Lee will be back playing in their tournament sooner rather than later.
Danny Lee on day three of the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
25-year-old Lee hasn't been back to New Zealand since 2009 when he turned professional, but he's indicated he wants to come home after his first victory on America's PGA Tour this season.
However he says the current date for the Open in March clashes with his schedule on the PGA tour.
New Zealand Open tournament director, Michael Glading, says talks about a possible return with Lee have been positive.
He says it would require Lee to make a very quick trip home and the goal for them is for that to happen in 2016.
Glading says they won't know for sure until November and he believes the odds of him returning are about 50-50.
The Open has been played in March the last two years and it appears it is likely to stay there as a part of the Australasian tour.
24-year-old Lee will play the second tournament of the FedEx Cup series this week in Boston.
He finished tied for 30th at the Barclay's last weekend and he heads into the Deutsche Bank tournament in 10th place in the FedEx standings.
Lee is also currently 10th and in the last automatic spot to make the International team for the Presidents Cup clash with the United States in South Korea in October.
The Deutsche Bank tournament is the last qualifying event for the Presidents Cup.