Sponsorship full for Coast event

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32450, 10 November 1970, Page 34

Sponsorship full for Coast event

Greymouth is faring much better than Christchurch in the field of golf sponsorship.

The Greymouth Golf Club is to hold a pro-am tournament at the Kaiata course on January 9 and 10, and all 18 holes have been sponsored to the extent of $3O each. On the basis of a population comparison, selling a hole for $3O in Greymouth is better than selling one for $5OO in Christchurch. And Greymouth has a full book of sponsors. The chief aim'of the tournament is to publicise Greymouth, and the club is enter taming thought of making the event an annual fixture if the initial effort comes up to expectations. The tournament will be held over 54 holes, with 18 being played on the Saturday, and the remaining 36 the following day. PRIZE MONEY The amateurs will play the full 54 holes, but the professionals will contest the handsome purse of $5OO in prize money on only the last 36 holes—although they will be permitted to warm up during the Saturday round if they desire. Already there are indications that most of the South Island professionals will be crossing the Alps to take part in the tournament. The club promoted the tournament after discussions with the pro-

fessional at Templeton, T. J. Kelso, who is an ardent advocate of a mini-circuit in the South Island.

The Greymouth club has thrown all its energy into the organisation of the tournament. It aims to make it the best golf event held on the West Coast.