Promoters trying to bring world golf No 1 Tiger Woods to Wellington have his signature, but are likely to find the cash needed to secure his appearance a tougher prospect.
A spokesman for Plus Fore, the four-strong group trying to bring world sport's most famous face to play at Paraparaumu Beach,
confirmed yesterday that the deal had to be completed by April 1.
Plus Fore chairman John Freer said his group had to front up with more than $2 million by that date to confirm Woods' appearance at a resurrected New Zealand PGA tournament at Paraparaumu in January.
The group had a letter of intent signed by Woods, but Woods' management company, International Management Group, wanted half of his appearance fee of $4 million by April.
Mr Freer also said a $2 million prize package would be used to lure other top names, including world No 18 Michael Campbell of Wellington.
The total budget for the tournament, pencilled in for January 10 to 13, is understood to be $10 million.
Mr Freer said negotiations were under way with several overseas companies to meet the budget. It is likely those negotiations involve major television networks.
"We'll be totally up front about this with the sporting public and tell them whether it's going to happen or not by April 1," Mr Freer said.
Sky TV chief executive John Fellet said Sky had met Plus Fore in September but he believed the tournament broadcasting rights would be "out of everyone's league" in New Zealand.
Mr Freer said Woods was keen to come to New Zealand and see the home of his New Zealand caddy, Steve Williams. "He [Williams] has been a key to this so to have him on our side has made this thing get off the ground."
Sports Minister Trevor Mallard said yesterday that he had been briefed on Woods' proposed visit, but the Government would not underwrite the event. However, he said, some money could possibly be made available as part of a tourism promotion exercise.
- NZPA
