It’s that time of year again already, the biggest event on the shearing calendar is set to 'clip off' in Masterton.

The annual New Zealand Golden Shears competition, seen by most as the pinnacle of shearing sports, celebrates 51 years and counting on Thursday, with the novice shearing and wool handling heats.

The main prize, of course is the coveted Open title, with 2 time champion John Kirkpatrick the hot favourite to win a third shears crown.

Shearing Sports NZ Spokesman Doug Laing says while Kirkpatrick has been in great form leading up to the event, the Golden Shears always springs a few surprises.

"You’ve also got the old favourite David Fagan, who’s won the title 16 times; an up and comer from up north called Roland Smith who does most of the sheering in Hawkes Bay.

"Roland was a part of the two stand record attempt during the summer, he's also been winning a few competitions.

"Then one of the other guys Cam Ferguson not to be forgotten, he won the title last year where he made it to the final for the first time."

Mr Laing says there is always a strong emphasis on family at the event, as a passion for shearing seems to be in the blood.

"It’s been a big feature right through the whole history of the golden shears the families that are involved.

"We’re very much into blood - in this case we’ve got five members of the Guy family, some other families that a historic are the Tephata family.

"There’s a possibility that we will see a fourth Tephata name on the winning trophy.

"There are certainly many more families, just dozens which are represented each by a couple of people."

Mr Laing says competition will be fierce across all 20 titles during the three day event.

Head to Shearing Sports NZ's website for the latest updates on the competition, www.shearingsports.co.nz.