Golf: NZ event rises above cash fears

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The impending loss of American online retailer Buy.com as sponsor of the second-tier US Tour is no problem for the organisers of next year's Clearwater Classic.

There were strong suggestions yesterday that Buy.com, which took over as the Tour's naming rights sponsor from Nike, might not be around for next year.

The company's share price has fallen from a high of more than $US35 a little over a year ago to 15 cents yesterday. From a value of $US4.8 billion ($11.7 billion) last year, the company is now valued at $US21 million.

"As we understand it, the USPGA are in the market looking for a sponsor to take over from Buy.com if they fall over," said Chris Doig, chief executive of the classic's promoters Sporting Frontiers. "But that is of no concern for us.

"The Tour will continue. The sponsorship, as far as we are concerned, is irrelevant. We have signed a five-year deal with the USPGA for the Clearwater Classic to be part of that second-tier Tour."

Doig confirmed prizemoney for the March 14-17 tournament in Christchurch would be $A1 million ($NZ1.2 million). It will host about 156 players, most from the tour.

"As organisers, we will be able to invite 10 players," said Doig.

"Obviously if players like Bob Charles or Frank Nobilo were available and keen to play we would grab them.

"There is plenty at stake. The winner, as an example, is guaranteed a place on the Tour two - as it is sometimes known - for the rest of the year and would join the race for a top 15 finish and with it entry to the 2003 PGA Tour."

Doig said they were confident of a "reasonable Kiwi presence" and hoped they would also be able to invite one or two leading amateurs, such as Christchurch's Eddie Lee and Rotorua's Sam Hunt.

"Bob Toohey, who is director of the sister event in Adelaide (on March 7-10), will be here next week and we should have a clearer picture after meeting him," Doig said. "It was pleasing to see Wayne Grady, who is the chairman of the Australasian Tour, giving the tournaments his full support."

He admitted there remained some "minor concerns" over the 13th, 15th and 17th holes at Clearwater.

"These were among the last holes to be sown, but we are confident they will be ready," he said. "If not, we will simply transfer the tournament to another course in Christchurch."