"When we [his family] got to the airport, it was an absolute mess and we barely got on the flight we were promised.
"At the start, it was going to be business class for the entire family, and in the end we were lucky to get a seat in the last row of economy."
Perks said Open organisers explained that official tournament carrier Air New Zealand's problems were part of the reason for the travel shambles.
But tournament spokesman Ian Hepenstall was yesterday dismayed by Perks' comments.
He said Perks entered into a written agreement to travel economy class with his family to New Zealand.
Hepenstall said a last-minute change to Perks' flights were paid for in cash by the tournament's organisers, but he was miffed at the reprimand, saying Perks' package exceeded that for any other Open.
Perks suspects too much emphasis was put on world No 1 Tiger Woods' needs, and not enough on securing quality opposition.
"I think all the emphasis was put on Tiger Woods and [they] forgot about everyone else, which is a shame," he said.
"Tiger Woods doesn't make an event. He's a name and a drawcard but it would be a shame not to have anyone else in the field."
The open's entry deadline passed yesterday, and a tournament spokesman confirmed that no other big names had been secured.
Perks said he was unsurprised that organisers had not lured other United States players as intended.
"We have five or six guys from New Zealand who are on the PGA tour now, and we've really only got myself who is playing, which is a shame," he said.
"Nothing against Michael Campbell and David Smail, we [the tournament] don't have the top names.
"Granted we have Tiger Woods, but we need quality names to make up a quality field, not just one guy."
Perks said the tournament would be better suited to be held in December, when the US PGA calendar was less cluttered.
Meanwhile, Woods will bring his mother to the Open.
Tournament organisers are saying nothing on the subject, but sources have confirmed the visit.
Kultida Woods is to travel to New Zealand with Woods on his private jet, which touches down in Wellington on January 8.
She is a familiar sight in world golf galleries, often embracing her son after famous victories. She is also the inspiration behind his trademark red shirt, worn on final rounds.
"She says it's my power colour. Always listen to Mum," Woods said after his United States Open win last year.
Paraparaumu's Allan James, who is a close friend of Woods' New Zealand caddie, Steve Williams, said Kultida Woods' visit had not been confirmed.
"I can't comment because it's not been confirmed yet, but it would be nice if she came," he said.
It is not known whether Woods' father, Earl, a former Green Beret with two tours of duty in Vietnam, will also come out to New Zealand. The world champion golfer's parents are separated.
- NZPA
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