Superstar Coming For Golf Tournament
A record $1.5 million purse, one of the richest in Australasia, will attract golfing superstar Michael Campbell and a
cast of other big names to the Blue Chip New Zealand Open 2006 golf tournament when it tees off in November at the Gulf
Harbour Country Club.
But golfers will not be the only winners, says Rodney District Council mayor John Law.
He says Rodney will also benefit by again taking centre stage for a world-class event.
“Last year’s tournament was broadcast to 111 million homes worldwide. That is phenomenal! It meant millions of
tourists, developers, and businesses were exposed to our district and to an area that is quickly becoming known as Golf
Harbour,” says Mr Law.
In addition to the international viewers, 2,500 Rodney residents turned out last year to see “their” tournament.
Organisers anticipate the local crowd will be even bigger for this year’s tournament.
Although golf will be major drawcard it won’t be the only one in Rodney this year. John Law says the district is now
attracting some major sporting events such as triathlons, and the recent Masters Games.
“What we have here in Rodney is a district that’s perfect for outdoor pursuits. The long coastlines, spectacular rural
areas, and diverse and distinctive communities—we’ve got it all in Rodney, and there is a growing international
recognition of that.
The mayor says the Rodney District Council is putting in a lot of work to attract the big events, both sporting and
Cultural.
“The Blue Chip New Zealand Open, facilities such as the Kelly Park Film Studios, and the council’s purchase of a 145
hectare property  in Dairy Flat, earmarked for recreational pursuits, mean we are stepping up getting ready for far
larger and still more spectacular events in the future.
“Watch this district, watch this space,” says the mayor.
ENDS.