The New Zealand Open appears likely to hit a water hazard next year.
And organisers still don't know whether this year's high-profile Open at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club will break even, despite the attraction of Tiger Woods.
The Australasian Tour has confirmed that next year's Open will be held in the third week of January. The venue has not been confirmed.
The date will clash with yachting's America's Cup and could cause a fight for sponsorship dollars.
New Zealand Golf Association chief executive Peter Dale said the America's Cup was the biggie of sporting sponsorship, and how much money golf received depended on what could be got through corporate sponsors and television rights.
Tiger-mania has lifted the tournament to a new level in just about every way this year at Paraparaumu.
Dale said the tournament was light years ahead of others in standard, and the association wanted to maintain momentum and interest in the event.
"It will be tough, but we are absolutely determined."
He said the association would do everything in its power to lure Woods back to the event next year.
- NZPA
