Promoter Will Be Relieved

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31154, 2 September 1966, Page 13

Promoter Will Be Relieved

When the great American golfer, Arnold Palmer, hits off against R. J. Charles at Balmace wen on October 19 at the start of their four-match tournament, there is a strong probability that somewhere in the background Mr L. Middleweek, promotion manager for > Benson and Hedges, Limited, will heave a gusty sigh of relief.

Mr Middleweek’s firm is sponsoring the New Zealand tournament. He has been negotiating with Mr M. McCormick. manager of the golfers—as well as of several other outstanding players—for more than two years.

In 1964 Charles was in Auckland, on his way back to the United States, and he said that Palmer would like to come to New Zealand, and if there was a sponsor, a tour could be arranged. Benson and Hedges Ltd., made arrangements for Palmer to play in New Zealand in October, 1965: about that time he was expected to be playing in Australia. Advice was then received that Palmer had P.G.A. commitments and February, 1966, was suggested as a suitable time.

The negotiations at that stage were for a nine-day tour, which included two week-ends. In December last year, the sponsors received a letter stating that Palmer had television commitments, and therefore the tour for October this year was arranged, with Palmer going on to take part in Australian tournaments.

Even then, the sponsor’s difficulties were not over. It was discovered that Palmer would be taking part in the world match-play championships in London which end on October 9, and that immediately after that, he was scheduled to appear in a

CONTENDER

The New Zealand professional light-weight boxing champion, M. Santos, has been recognised by the Empire Championships Committee in Britain as a contender for the Empire title.

tournament at Las Vegas which would end on October 15. From there he will fly to San Francisco and catch a flight direct to New Zealand. But the tour has had to be cut to six days. Palmer will arrive at Auckland on October 17. He will fly to Dunedin on October 18 and meet Charles in the first match next day. That evening he will fly to Christchurch and he will play Charles at Shirley on October 20. The players will leave Christchurch on October 21 for Wellington, play a match at Miramar next day, and a final game at Middlemore, Auckland, on October 24.

The Benson and Hedges Challenge golf series will be decided over the aggregate stroke rounds in the four meetings.