Golf: Still no Open decision

The Hills in Arrowtown is a potential host of the NZ open but nothing has been confirmed yet. Photo / Supplied

It's still not clear whether a New Zealand Golf Open will be held in 2011 even though the Australian PGA have pencilled it into their calendar.

The Australian PGA announced this week they have allocated the final weekend of the year, December 8-11, for the flagship New Zealand event with an asterix that the timing is "to be confirmed".

New Zealand Golf refused to confirm those dates, saying it was a "possibility" but that the Open could be held before or after that weekend.

The venue also remains up in the air, with the national body saying the Hills course in Arrowtown and Clearwater in Christchurch are among several potential hosts.

The Hills hosted the last three events and general manager Sam Gent admits they are "frustrated" with the ongoing saga.

While everybody understands the sensitive nature of the negotiations, the smoke and mirrors approach favoured by New Zealand Golf is puzzling. It has encouraged rumour, doubt and innuendo and highlighted, as one commentator put it, the glacial-like speed the organisation has been operating at recently.

At the conclusion of the 2010 event in January, it was announced the venue and date would be confirmed in the "next few months".

In July, there were reports of a spat between promoter Bob Tuohy and Michael Hill, but a decision was still imminent. In September, it was announced a decision was due "within a week". According to the report, Clearwater would be the venue and the event would be staged in late January of this year.

In November, the national body met with the tournament promoter in Christchurch and announced a decision could be expected in the "next few days". NZG chief executive Dean Murphy said at the time the course was locked in.

"We have a venue but I can't say where until the contracts are tidied up," he said.

Last week, Murphy changed his tune, telling the Herald on Sunday several venues were still in the frame.

Shane Warne would be proud of this much spin but it's difficult to understand the underlying reasons.

Most understand the difficult history of the Open, especially the disastrous 2005 and 2006 events, which incurred losses of $1.5 million.

Everyone would be sympathetic to the complex negotiations but the need for so much mystery is perplexing. Why has there been no reason given for the constant series of delays?

Behind the scenes, it's understood there's dissatisfaction with Hill's financial input. It's believed he has contributed around $500,000 in return for naming rights, out of a total budget of $3 million.

Hill hosted the event and picked up many other costs but it's understood organisers believe that a figure closer to $1million is seen as appropriate in exchange for naming rights.

Gent says there has been no formal communication with New Zealand Golf since a meeting in December last year, when terms were agreed in principle.

"We are still waiting on a contract but have heard nothing," says Gent.

"It is really unfortunate for everyone, especially in terms of tourism and sponsorship. We have nothing to sell and time is ticking.

"We would like to get more involved and maximise the potential of this event with a long-term license. What else does [Michael] need to do to convince New Zealand Golf that we have all the attributes to run the kind of tournament New Zealand needs?"

Hill has a vision to create the 'Augusta of the Southern Hemisphere' in little ol' Arrowtown.

"It is a ridiculously ambitious goal but nothing happens unless you raise the bar," says Hill. "We need to strive to become a course talked about around the world.

"I don't think there's anything standing in the way. I'm still pretty bullish that we will get it. I would be disappointed if we didn't and I think most New Zealanders would be. Clearwater is a wonderful golf course but, for filming, it appears flat and just like most courses around the world."

Murphy says things are progressing well, but are a "long way" from being confirmed and negotiations are not expected to resume until at least the third week in January.

"I think we are doing the right thing," he said. "We need to take the appropriate time to negotiate an appropriate deal for all of golf in New Zealand. There is no reason for concern. We are very confident a tournament will be held in 2011 and we are trying to do the best possible job we can."