TV3 has secured the broadcasting rights to January's New Zealand Open tournament in Auckland, which will showcase the 50th anniversary of Sir Bob Charles' first win and be staged at The Grange Golf Club.
TV3 beat TV One, the broadcaster for the event since 1996, for the rights after negotiations with
management company IMG on behalf of event partners New Zealand Golf.
New Zealand Open tournament director Phil Aicken said it was exciting for both the Holden-sponsored event and TV3 to have a fresh approach to coverage.
In partnership with Australia's PGA Tour Productions, the 72-hole tournament will be shown live for a total of 18 hours from midday to 6pm on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
It is understood TV One priced itself out of the event.
In the past, New Zealand Golf paid $300,000 to have the event broadcast on TV One when it was played in Auckland and it was led to believe it would cost an additional $200,000 if the event was played outside Auckland.
Meanwhile, there are some doubts about the professional places for the event which runs from January 15.
Grant Waite, Stephen Alker and Michael Long are playing in the PGA Tour Qualifying School's last stage and their appearance here depends on their results there.
Europe-based Stephen Scahill is expected to be playing in South Africa at the time of the open and US-based Craig Perks has yet to confirm his entry.
- NZPA
