The Holden New Zealand Open will take its place on The European Tour International Schedule for the first time in 2005 with the event, co-sanctioned by The European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australia, taking place at Gulf Harbour Country Club on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in Auckland from February 10-13.
The 88th Holden New Zealand Open will carry an increase in prize money of $NZ 1.5 million for the 2005 event, more than double the NZ$700,000 offered this year.
"This is a wonderful boost for golf in this country, and will ensure our sport, our players and our country has a considerably enhanced profile through the massive television audience that goes with a co-sanctioned European event,’’’’ said New Zealand Golf Chief Executive Larry Graham. "We are absolutely delighted with this result, not only for our game and the Tour but for the New Zealand public. We are thrilled that the PGA Tour of Australasia and The European Tour had the faith in us.
The PGA Tour of Australasia is excited by the new development for the Holden New Zealand Open.
“The co-sanctioned status of the event will provide significant incentive for players to take part,” said PGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Andrew Georgiou. “We are always looking at ways to provide more for our members and the New Zealand Open not only offers a significant money reward, but also the opportunity to launch a career on The European Tour."
Many European Tour Members will be familiar with Gulf Harbour Country Club when it was the host venue of the 1998 World Cup, won by England respresented by Nick Faldo and David Carter.
George O’’Grady, Executive Director Designate of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Holden New Zealand Open to The European Tour International Schedule for the first time, further enhancing our relationship with the PGA Tour of Australasia with a new national Open in their region. We have long term plans and look forward to continuing to develop the Holden New Zealand Open in years to come.”
New Zealand’’s top ranked world player Michael Campbell has already confirmed his intention to compete in the 88th Holden New Zealand Open, and this coupled with the stars on The European Tour and the Australasian Tour would provide an exciting pool of talent for the event.
Television coverage of the 2005 Holden New Zealand Open will be broadcast in 30 countries with a potential audience of more than 200 million homes.
