Golf: Close eye on fans of Woods

Strict security and accreditation measures will be in force at the New Zealand Open.

Security has been stepped up because of the appearance of Tiger Woods and an increase in the number of people attending.

Organisers have also set up an accreditation process to handle more than 1300 staff, officials, suppliers, volunteers and media who have access to secure areas.

"We have been involved in organising professional golf tournaments in New Zealand for more than 25 years and this New Zealand Open has demanded a new approach," tournament co-ordinator Paul Gleeson said.

"For instance, there are 175 people involved in the live television coverage alone, and more than 150 media from New Zealand and overseas."

Gleeson said much of the increased interest from media and corporates was due to the involvement of the world's highest profile athlete.

"Tiger Woods is a modern-day sporting phenomenon. We have consulted other golf organisers who have hosted tournaments involving Tiger and we have been in constant touch with his management," Gleeson said.

"The fairways will be roped as normal to allow spectators to move freely around the course, and there is limited access inside the ropes to ensure the public has a good view."

Gleeson said events following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States had heightened awareness of security issues.

"There will be a police presence, as in all tournaments that Tiger is involved in, and there will be security when he is out in public," he said.

"This tournament is to be beamed to 158 million homes worldwide.

"We want people viewing throughout the world to see the very best of clean, green and safe New Zealand."

The media contingent will include 150 daily, trade and radio reporters, some of whom will be from Britain, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Samoa.

A further 175 people will be involved in the most extensive live cover of a professional golf tournament in this country by Television New Zealand.

The tournament will screen live on TV One from 9 am until 6 pm from the first round on Thursday until the finish on Sunday.

It will also screen live and delayed on Channel 10 and Fox Sports in Australia and for six hours daily through The Golf Channel in the US, Canada and Japan, CNBC in Europe and Asia, BskyB in Britain.

Highlights will screen in Spain and Germany.

"This will be the most watched New Zealand Open ever, and it gives a unique opportunity to showcase our country," Open2002 managing director David Pool said.

Wellington police will assess security needs closer to the tournament.

District spokeswoman Kaye Calder said: "We're doing everything possible to ensure it's a safe, enjoyable and undisrupted event for players, spectators and the wider community."

More than 100 police would be involved in ensuring on-course and traffic safety, and a police helicopter would be at their disposal.

- NZPA

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