Golf: Lack of stars for Woods' benefit show

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Organisers of January's New Zealand Open might have the Tiger by the tail, but they are still looking for someone to eyeball the world No 1.

Michael Campbell, down to 25 in the latest world rankings, is the next best confirmed to line up against Tiger Woods, but organisers are still talking to 40 golfers on the United States, European and Australasian tours.

While the final field for the Paraparaumu Beach event, from January 10 to 13, is a long way from being confirmed, ticket prices have been sorted out - a high of $450 for a week-long ticket, which is down $50 from the original suggested price tag.

Open2002 managing director David Pool said tournament promoters had always intended to offer a variety of options to spectators, and the critical reaction to the suggested price for a season's ticket "made us look at it a bit harder."

Tickets go on sale today and NZ Golf Association members have priority. Club members will be able to book a limit of two six-day season tickets or two for individual days.

The first two days (practice round and pro-am) will cost $40, the Thursday and Friday rounds $105 each and weekend play $170 a day.

There is an extra charge ranging from $50 to $95 for 8000 grandstand seats at the 18th green.

Tickets for the TelstraSaturn Hyundai-sponsored Open are available for the public from September 17.

Registered junior golfers (under 16) can apply for one of 1000 free season passes.

NZGA operations manager and tournament director Phil Aickin acknowledged that Woods' presence meant that this tournament was a one-off proposition compared with past and future Opens.

"We've never relied on gate income to make the event viable. But if you want the most significant sportsperson in the world, a different formula is required.

"Although we would like it to be a traditional New Zealand Open, it is just not possible or realistic on this occasion."

Other players confirmed for the event include former Open winners Sir Bob Charles, Peter O'Malley, Matthew Lane, Grant Waite and defending champion David Smail. Also expected are New Zealand's Craig Perks and big-hitting Australian Craig Parry.

A strong amateur line-up will be headed by Kiwi Gareth Paddison who won the Canadian amateur.

He will be joined by NZ strokeplay champion Sam Hunt, national amateur champion Ben Gallie, runner-up Matthew Peter and Australians Steve Bowditch and Andrew Duffin.

Prizemoney totals $1 million, the winner to collect $180,000.