Thomson Out Of N.Z. Open

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31062, 18 May 1966, Page 19

Thomson Out Of N.Z. Open

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) SYDNEY. The Australian Professional Golfers’ Association has decided to ban Australian professional golfers from playing in the New Zealand Open this year.

The P.G.A. took this step to protect the 3500 dollars North Coast Open at CofTs Harbour. The Coff's Harbour open, to be played from November 17 to 20, clashes with the New Zealand Open for the second successive year. The P.G.A. decision means that the Austra-

lian ehampion. Peter Thomson, will not defend his New Zealand Open title.

Despite extensive negotiations between the Australian and New Zealand associations, the New Zealand Open was scheduled to clash with the last major event of the Australian golf season.

At a meeting of the Australian P.G.A. last week, it was decided to invoke a rule which requires Australian professionals to apply for permission to play overseas during the Australian tournament season.

Mr Colin de Groot, a N.S.W. delegate to the P.G.A. meeting, has eonfirmed the decision to impose the ban.

Mr de Groot said: “The P.G.A. decided to advise Coff’s Harbour Golf Club that subject to confirmation of their intention to provide prize money of 3500 dollars for the North Coast Open, it would invoke the rule to the fullest to protect the Australian circuit to its conclusion on November 20.

“The decision will not force players to compete at Coff’s Harbour. At least It will prevent big-name players from bypassing the tournament to play in New Zealand." Coff's Harbour club last night announced that It would go ahead with the 3500 dollars purse “in the light of assurances from the P.G.A.”