James Greenhalgh was "pleasantly surprised" when international tennis bosses gave the thumbs up to a club venue as host for New Zealand's next Davis Cup tie.
The Asia/Oceania group two semifinal against the Philippines starts on Good Friday and, after encountering problems settling on one of the usuallarger venues, New Zealand Tennis opted for a more intimate alternative.
Parnell has a synthetic grass surface and non-playing New Zealand captain Greenhalgh was not convinced it would get approval from the ITF.
"I wouldn't have thought the Philippines players would have played many times on it, so it should be an advantage for us."
Overseas, it is not unusual for ties to be staged at clubs, but the ITF has a stringent criteria which has to be met.
Club options in Auckland were limited, but Parnell fitted the bill and is used to hosting large events, including the interclub Caro Bowl, which can attract about 500 spectators.
It is thought to be the first New Zealand club to host a Davis Cup tie, although the Domain hosted the cup final in 1920.
The Philippines' two singles players are expected to be former world No 72 Cecil Mamiit, who is now No 191, and Eric Taino, who was a top 200 player but is now No 540.
New Zealand's top ranked player, Dan King Turner is No 483.
