Golf: Campbell attacks NZ's European Tour bid

11.00am

Michael Campbell has launched a stinging attack at suggestions the Gulf Harbour course could host a New Zealand Golf Open co-sanctioned by the European Tour.

The New Zealand No 1 has described the course as badly designed and said if the event was held, it should be played on a decent course.

Campbell's comments come as New Zealand Golf chief executive Larry Graham is close to stitching a deal to have the January 20-23 Australasian PGA Tour event co-sanctioned by the world's second largest tour.

Gulf Harbour, on Auckland's Whangaparoa Peninsula, could expect to play host to several high profile European Tour stars if Graham were successful.

However, the expected choice of Gulf Harbour as the venue for the first event co-sanctioned with Europe has infuriated Campbell.

"It will be very exciting for the New Zealand sporting public to get to watch some of the best players in the world compete, but unfortunately Gulf Harbour will be the worst spot to stage the championship," Campbell said.

"It's the worst designed golf course I have ever played and the New Zealand Open should be played on a decent golf course and not Gulf Harbour.

"Thankfully I didn't have to play there in the 1998 World Cup."

Campbell said he had been approached by a number of his fellow players in Europe asking if he knew where the New Zealand Open was to be contested in 2005.

"But when I mentioned Gulf Harbour they all said they are not going to compete and one of those players is among the top-10 in the world," Campbell said.

"I totally agree with Greg Turner's remarks when he said they've ruined a beautiful piece of land with a poorly designed golf course and all the comments I've heard from those who competed in the 1998 World Cup have all been negative about Gulf Harbour."

Fellow New Zealand golfer Stephen Scahill was less severe in his criticism of Gulf Harbour but only because he has played just nine holes of the course.

"I have only played the front nine and I was told that was the best nine, so I didn't get to see the back nine that has the ocean views," Scahill said.

"But what I saw left me far from impressed, though I guess in this day and age you have to play where the sponsors want you to play even though we have some great venues in the country where the New Zealand Open has been traditionally played."

As for the event, Scahill said if it was co-sanctioned by the European Tour it would generate great exposure and could also attract some of Europe's leading players.

A European Tour spokesman confirmed discussion was taking place over the inclusion of the event on the European Tour International Schedule but a contract had yet been signed.

- NZPA