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The golfing calendar could soon welcome a New Zealand Open for women.
New Zealand Golf says that corporate interest in backing such a tournament is high and that several courses have also expressed an interest to host a championship for women.
A working party has been established by New Zealand Golf to investigate the feasibility of a New Zealand Women's Open, which could be staged in early 2009.
New Zealand Golf chief executive Bill MacGowan said: "We believe we now fully understand what is required to stage a successful tournament at this level.
"We know that there is real interest out there for a New Zealand Women's Open. We have had approaches from potential sponsors and also a number of golf courses have expressed interest.
"We have recognised this and indeed funds have been set aside from the old Women's Golf NZ organisation at the time of the amalgamation for such an event."
Interest in a women's event is brewing following the successful staging last month of the men's event at The Hills in Queenstown.
The switch from Gulf Harbour led to record gate takings in excess of $250,000, with a total paid attendance of 34,000.
Geoff Saunders, a New Zealand Golf board member and chairman of the New Zealand Open Championship Committee, MacGowan, NZG president Patsy Hankins and former European Tour professional Susan Farron will form the working party looking into the women's event.
"We will be looking at this early in the new year and would like to think we are in a position to make some firm decisions in the coming months."
