Golf: Date change for NZ Open

The New Zealand Open golf tournament next summer will move back to a January time slot.

New Zealand Golf (NZG) today confirmed the championship would be staged on January 28-31 at jeweller Michael Hill's private course near Queenstown.

The tournament will offer a purse of US$600,000 ($969,300), the same as last summer when it was held in March, and it will once again be staged as a co-sanctioned event between the Australasian and Nationwide Tours.

NZG believes there are benefits to be had by moving the tournament forwards two months in the New Zealand summer.

"Over many years we have found that January has always proved the most popular with golf fans and the sporting public," NZG chief executive Bill MacGowan said today.

"It is still in the school holiday period which will allow families to come and watch some of the best golfers in the world in action, and especially a chance for young players, who might aspire to be the next Danny Lee or David Smail, to come along and watch."

MacGowan said the co-sanctioning arrangement with the Nationwide Tour was a success this year.

"It attracted some outstanding golfers, some of whom have been winners on the PGA Tour while others will no doubt go on to become tomorrow's stars.

New Zealand Open promoter Bob Tuohy said the earlier date would offer more plusses.

"It's a great chance for fans to watch this country's premier golf championship and a January date means we will certainly attract more spectators and enhance our volunteer base," Tuohy said.

"New Zealand's and Australia's best players will for the first time in many years have the opportunity to compete before joining other tours offshore."

- NZPA