Golf: Open to be at Grange

The Grange is confirmed as the venue for the 87th New Zealand Open golf championship next January.

It will be the fifth time the Holden-sponsored Open is staged at the Manukau City course.

A feature will be the celebration of 50 years since Sir Bob Charles won his first New Zealand Open in 1954. The former British Open champion went on to win four New Zealand Open titles, including 1970, which was the first time the event had been played at The Grange.

New Zealand Golf and joint venture partners IMG NZ Ltd opted for The Grange after discussions with other Auckland clubs because of its proximity to a major population base.

"It is a special New Zealand Open to celebrate the remarkable feats of Sir Bob Charles, and we want it to be shared by as many people as possible," NZG chief executive Peter Dale said. "This year's event at Auckland Golf Club drew outstanding support from golf fans and the general public - the biggest spectator numbers for several years."

He said the course was a near neighbour to Middlemore and its location, close to the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, were key factors in its choice. The organisers had decided this year to retain the event in the Auckland region because of the additional television production costs if it was played elsewhere. There was also secure corporate hospitality available and spectator support.

The Grange last hosted the Open in 2001, when it was won by Hamilton's David Smail. Other winners at The Grange were Australians Rodger Davis in 1986 and Peter O'Malley in 1995.