"We are trying to create an event and if we just focus on golf there will be a tendency to say we have got to have a few great players. I think the reality is a few great players cost you a lot of money and we are not going to get into the situation where we start to pay large appearance money to attract players who will break us."
Japan has a possible television audience of eight million people and many fine calibre players, and 15 places would be reserved for them.
Key confirmed $700,000 from the Major Events Development Fund will be invested in the tournament for the next two years.
The Government will also invest $250,000 a year towards television production. The event's promoter, Sir Michael Hill, will match that $250,000 investment each year. Sky will broadcast some of the tournament live each day in New Zealand. "We look forward to welcoming a quality field of professional golfers to play for one of the biggest prize purses seen in New Zealand," Hart said.
A professional field of 144 golfers will play alternate rounds at the Hills and Millbrook before the cut at 60 players and ties. The last two rounds will be held at the Hills. A pro-am will run alongside the main event.NZ Herald
