HEIDELBERG - New Zealand golfer Greg Turner has criticised the decision to fund Tiger Woods' multi-million-dollar appearance at the New Zealand Open in January.
Woods is to be paid $US2.25 million ($5.34 million) to make a first visit to New Zealand and compete in the event at Paraparaumu Beach.
Last week, New
Zealand's top golfer, Michael Campbell, expressed his dismay that such a sizeable appearance fee could be found for the world No 1 when the country's premier tournament had struggled to attract a half-decent prize purse.
"Whether he has been paid $5 million or not, I just hope the move doesn't draw any funds from any other resources and sponsors," Campbell said.
US PGA Tour-based Frank Nobilo and Grant Waite have also voiced their concerns.
But Turner, who has won two New Zealand Open titles, has come out strongest against the initiative.
"I have very mixed feelings about the whole issue," Turner said before signing for a 71 on the first day of the Deutsche Bank-SAP Open.
"Purely from a golfing perspective it is going to be fantastic to have Tiger playing in New Zealand.
"It will be fantastic for New Zealanders to have the opportunity to see him.
"Golf has probably been the success story of New Zealand sport in the last decade in terms that we have eight to 10 players competing around the world, and doing so well.
"But they are almost all doing so in spite of being from New Zealand rather than because of it.
"They have practically all been forced to leave the country in order to find a way to pursue their careers, and their development has unquestionably been compromised because of it.
"They lived with this harsh reality because, ostensibly, there was no money available in New Zealand for golfers.
"Then, when Tiger wags his tail, all of a sudden loot can be found by the wheelbarrow-load.
"And then they will be expected to, once again, support the event and be pleased to inhale a few of the crumbs from his table - and next year resume business as usual."
- NZPA
