Golf: Open field now without Nobilo and Perks

Top Kiwi golfers Frank Nobilo and Craig Perks will miss the New Zealand Open at The Grange next month.

Both have told tournament directors they could not play after earlier saying they were likely starters in the Auckland event.

Perks had said he would come if the New Zealand Golf Association arranged a flight from the United States for him.

But association chief executive Phillip Aickin said a date mix-up had ruled Perks out.

"He thought our event was the fourth week of January," Aickin said. "After much deliberation he had to decline with regret."

Perks would have had to sacrifice two PGA tournaments in the United States if he had played in the Open from January 18 to 21.

Aickin said Perks, runner-up in last year's tournament, was very apologetic.

"It's hard enough for them to stay in the top 125 without that happening. It's got to be his priority and he said he would try his best to be back next year."

Nobilo, who missed the Open last year, e-mailed Aickin with the bad news from Argentina, where he was playing in the World Cup with former New Zealand Open champion Greg Turner.

Nobilo gave "family commitments" as the reason he would not turn up at The Grange.

Perks was runner-up at last year's Open in Paraparaumu, won by Michael Campbell in a two-way sudden-death shootout.

The absence of Nobilo is a particular blow. Despite his inconsistent form of late, he is still one of New Zealand golf's biggest drawcards. He has never won the Open and would have been a sentimental favourite.

"Auckland is his home town and he would certainly have had a huge following," Aickin said.

"He probably has a lot more supporters in New Zealand than he realises. He's been so close to winning on a number of occasions."

But Aickin denied their withdrawal was a blow to the Open.

"I would not call it a blow at all. The fans will still get to see them - they will just have to wait until next time. We still have Michael Campbell, Turner and Bob Charles coming."

- NZPA