A season's ticket for this year's Open in Auckland cost $50.
Organisers have defended the steep price rise, saying the costs of bringing Woods had to be recouped. They have not revealed what they amount to, but Woods generally expects an appearance fee of close to $5 million to play outside the US.
"I've wrestled with my conscience over this for a couple of months now," Turner said. "My sole objection has been that the average New Zealander would not be able to afford to go to Paraparaumu next year. Ideally, I would have liked prices reduced. However, I accept that, at this juncture, this is not possible."
Turner and New Zealand's best player, Michael Campbell, had earlier threatened to boycott the tournament in an unprecedented display of player discontent.
Campbell, the world No 25, changed his mind when organisers agreed to allow 1000 registered golfers, aged 16 and under, to attend the tournament at no cost.
Turner's appearance was confirmed after tournament organisers agreed to add two new events to the week-long programme - a transtasman test on Monday, January 7, and a champion of champions contest over four holes the next day.
Entry to both events is free.
"I was keen, as were the organisers, to provide a meaningful spectacle for those golf fans who will be unable to attend the tournament proper," Turner said. "The extra contests on Monday and Tuesday will add a competitive element to both practice days, and an extra 2000 golf fans will have access to the Tuesday afternoon event at no charge."
The test will see Turner and another New Zealander playing against Australians Peter O'Malley and Peter Fowler over 18 holes.
The champion of champions contest will be played after the Tuesday practice session and may feature up to eight winners of the NZ Open.
- NZPA
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