Golf: NZ Open delayed a week

The New Zealand Open golf championship has been put back a week.

The tournament will now be staged at Gulf Harbour, north of Auckland, from November 30 to December 3.

The change was announced today by the PGA Tour of Australasia and New Zealand Golf.

The New Zealand Open, co-sanctioned by the Australasian and European tours, will swap places with the Masters in Australia, which will be held on November 23-26.

Officials said the date changes were made to prevent a potential broadcasting clash in Australia, with the Seven Network committed to both the Masters and the Davis Cup tennis final.

New Zealand Golf chief executive Larry Graham said his organisation was approached with a request to change dates to accommodate television requirements and ensure optimum coverage of both events.

"We sat down and analysed any implications that may occur if we changed the date and found that this change would not have an impact," Graham said.

"In fact there is potential with the change of date to attract more of our top New Zealand players home as the Open will now be staged a week closer to Christmas."

The New Zealand Open remains without a principal naming rights sponsor and there is no indication when one will be named.

- NZPA