GOLF TOURNAMENT IN TROUBLE

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32324, 16 June 1970, Page 19

GOLF TOURNAMENT IN TROUBLE

(Specially written for "The

Press" by

J. WALLACE)

Auckland’s proposed 550,000 professional golf tournament, scheduled for the Remuera course next January, seems unlikely to leave the first tee. Little more than six months remain until the tournament and the organisers have little money—insufficient in fact even to lower their sights and perhaps prepare for a 810,000 or $15,000 event. Several factors have contributed to the present position, and the lack of interest in the Auckland event. First, there has been the failure of the American lawyer, Mr M. McCormack, to confirm the availability of several leading American professionals. On visits to New Zealand earlier this year, Mr Mc- •> Cormack, the business man-

ager of many of the world’s top golfers, indicated that he would be pleased to approach a number of leading professionals as to their availability for the event. So far he has come up with no names and this, clearly, has been an important factor in dissuading prospective sponsors from committing themselves or their companies. Boycott Threat Representatives from some companies who earlier in the year attended a special meeting to be briefed on the event, have said they are not interested in the event unless some top Americans can be persuaded to come to Auckland for the tournament In the excitement of trying to persuade top Americans here, the prospective sponsors, and organisers, have apparently overlooked the remarks made last summer by ' several prominent Australian professionals that they would probably boycott the City of ! Auckland tournament if ap-

pearance money was paid to Americans.

And to get Americans here, appearance money, plus air fares, would have had to be paid, a figure of $24,000 being suggested as the cost of two or three American professionals. Little “Sell” Second, the organisers—the New Professional Golfers’ Association and the Remuera Golf Club, plus several other enthusiasts—appear to have done little to sell the event.'. To be fair to the P.G.A. it has paid for all initial promotion costs, which include the publication of special brochures and-some advertising. However, the professional body has, been unable to get any co-operation from Mr McCormack to enable sponsorships to be Sold. The Remuera club, for its part, has been dormant, the members of the tournament committee sitting back awaiting confirmation of players before trying to sell the I event.

Had they, in fact, tried to sell hard, then Mr McCormack might well have been inclined to persuade several top Americans to visit New Zealand. Difficult Time

Another factor against the event has been the timing. Mid-January is the middle of the holiday season: Aucklanders generally are fanatics for the beaches and their boats and support for a January event might well be limited. There has also been some concern expressed about the Remuera course. Some observers have described it as nothing more than a “goat track.” This is being unfair It is true that Remuera is not the best course in Auckland, but it is nevertheless a gdod test of golf. It is also central to the city and has plenty of car-parking spaces. Finally, the clubhouse facilities at Remuera have been described as unsuitable for an event of such magnitude. The

lounge and restaurant are small, and the locker room facilities are old buildings divorced from the lounge area. Be that as it may, the accommodation is clean and with the addition of large marquees, would have provided adequate facilities.

But a combination of all these factors have cast a long, dark shadow over the event. Few Hopes

Only a miracle can save the tournament. Such a niiracle is remote. The Auckland business community and organisers, plus a lack of action from'the United States, have nailed the lid on the coffin.

Auckland will be the poorer for being unable to mount such a tournament as part of its centenary year celebrations. Christchurch and Dunedin, where tournaments —admittedly of smaller prizemoney, have been arranged—must rightly claim to have the “last laugh” on the Queen i city.