Golf: Kiwi golf stars threaten boycott over ticket price

By JULIE ASH

Tickets to the New Zealand Golf Open are likely to cost fans more than double the price of those to the 1998 World Cup of Golf, sparking a boycott threat by top golfers.

New Zealand Golf Open organisers have said fans will have to pay around $500 for a week-long ticket to attend the tournament in Paraparaumu, north of Wellington, in January.

The most expensive entry fee for a golf tournament in New Zealand was at the World Cup of Golf at Gulf Harbour, north of Auckland, when a week-long pass was $220 and a student pass $120.

At the New Zealand Open it is also likely that those under 16 will have to pay adult prices.

The price hike has outraged New Zealand golfers Michael Campbell and Greg Turner, who have threatened to boycott the tournament despite the presence of Tiger Woods.

Campbell said it was great that Woods was playing, but his attendance should not mean that young New Zealanders could not go to Paraparaumu.

"The New Zealand Open is for all New Zealanders and they should not be priced out of going to it," said Campbell.

"I was very concerned when I heard what a ticket might cost and I will consider my options when it is confirmed."

Turner has also said he could join Campbell in the no-show. He said the rumoured prices were a "gross insult" to the average golf follower.

"I can remember not so long ago when entry was free.

"If those prices are true then my conscience will not allow me to take part," said Turner.

Tournament spokesman Steve Wilkins, general manager of Open 2002 Ltd, said ticket prices would be confirmed next month but $500 for a week's pass was about what was planned.

For $500 fans would see two practice rounds, the pro-am tournament and four days' play.

Bringing Woods to New Zealand will cost organisers around $US2 million ($4.99 million) based on what he is understood to routinely request as an appearance fee to play outside the United States. "Tiger is the top in the world," said Mr Wilkins.

"He is at the peak of his career.

"The public will get to see him play four or five hours of golf a day in the tournament plus practice rounds.

"In comparison, the Bee Gees concert was $300 for an hour and a half and it cost around $A1500 for the Olympic Games opening ceremony."

Prizemoney for the tournament is also set to increase, from $500,000 to $1 million and possibly $1.25 million.

Ticket prices for last year's golf open at the Grange in Auckland, won by New Zealander David Smail, were $50 for four days and $15 to $20 for a day.

Spectators under 16 were admitted free.

Mr Wilkins said he was desperately trying to get hold of Turner and Campbell to explain the price rise. "I think it has all been a bit exaggerated but we are trying to get in contact with them."

Local fans are also expressing concern over the price. Remuera Golf Club manager Graeme Nicholls said there was no way he would pay $500 to attend.

"By the time you pay for accommodation, transport and food you could be looking at over $2000 for the whole week.

"For the average, everyday, golf fan who would like to see him [Woods], it is going to be too expensive."

Mr Nicholls said that even if you did get to the Open, catching a glimpse of Woods would not be easy.

"There are no guarantees he'll make the cut.

"It is highly unlikely he won't make it but who knows."