LYTHAM ST ANNES - New Zealand's Michael Campbell says reports he is close to confirming himself as a starter for the New Zealand Open are incorrect.
A Sunday newspaper report claimed Campbell would as early as this week call off his boycott of the January event, in Paraparaumu, near Wellington.
"That's a false report," Campbell said yesterday. "I haven't had any thought about the New Zealand Open at all this week."
Campbell has said he would boycott due to high ticket prices for an event that World No 1 Tiger Woods was being paid an estimated $4.98 million to contest.
Prices for the January tournament may cost up to $500 for a weekly ticket, more than the $388 it would cost to attend the British Open, which attracted a far superior field.
Woods had offered to meet golfers threatening the boycott while at the British Open.
New Zealanders Campbell, Greg Turner, Stephen Scahill, Elliot Boult and Australian Peter O'Malley have said their consciences would not allow them to play in a tournament which charged such fees.
"Tiger wanted to talk to me but unfortunately it didn't pan out, the timing was wrong so I didn't get to speak to him," Campbell said.
Campbell had previously said he would always play in the NZ Open to honour a pledge made to the late NZ Golf Association executive director Grant Clements.
- NZPA
Campbell stands firm on his Tiger protest
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