Golf: Tiger's hide the ultimate trophy

Organisers expect record entries for golfers wanting to tame world No 1 Tiger Woods at the New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu next month.

More than 400 players are expected to enter for a place in the 144-strong field to contest the $1 million tournament at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club from January 10 to 13.

The inclusion of Woods and the return to New Zealand's premier links course at Paraparaumu Beach have sparked record interest in the tournament, director Phil Aickin said.

"I am sure a number of players, particularly amateurs, are keen to be involved in a tournament involving Tiger.

"The chance to play or better Tiger may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"Paraparaumu Beach is a course that is always popular with professionals and the changes made in lengthening the course and returning it more to its traditional links style have added to the interest."

The initial qualifying process starts on December 31 with regional tournaments at the Grange in Manukau City, the Wellington Golf Club and the Christchurch Golf Club.

The regional tournaments are open to amateurs on a handicap index of 2.4 or less.

Professionals who are members of a bona fide organisation can also enter the regional rounds.

Thirty players will progress to the final qualifying tournament at Waikanae Golf Club north of Wellington on January 7.

- NZPA