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 Newsroom Taranaki Open 2005 The $40,000 Olex Taranaki Open is the model for the key development of New Zealand's elite golfers, according to former professional Greg Turner. The second Olex-sponsored event at New Plymouth Golf Club on September 28-October 2 will again be staged under the umbrella of the new Golf Tour of New Zealand run by Turner. "The aim of the GTNZ is to develop tournaments around the country to provide the strongest possible domestic competition", Turner said. "To do so these events will include the country's leading amateurs and professionals, both male and female. The recent success of Michael Campbell has reaffirmed the enormous potential benefits to be reaped by producing world class players. The series, of which Taranaki is the first, will better facilitate this final outcome." The concept was launched at last year's Olex Taranaki Open, with the aim to develop other tournaments in New Zealand. Turner said while his company had talked to a number of clubs keen on hosting a GTNZ event, he had decided to review the process to ensure its longevity. He is confident that the Olex Taranaki Open will be the catalyst for several GTNZ tournaments in the next 12 months. "We had tremendous interest from a number of clubs throughout the country who wanted to jump on board," Turner said. "However when I looked closely it was important to ensure that the tournaments will be sustainable for several years to come, and not just reaction to the initial enthusiasm." "That means that we need regions involved, like in Taranaki, to share the load in terms of the resources needed to develop and sustain a successful tournament at this level for years to come." "So rather than rushing ahead with some tournaments we decided to revisit them and work with those organisations to ensure they have everything in place to establish a sustainable and successful GTNZ event." Turner has continued close dialogue with New Zealand Golf and was confident that some leading NZG amateur events will also be included on the GTNZ calendar next year. "The folk at Taranaki have done an outstanding job and in this regard are ahead of the pack in terms of developing the foundation to host a tournament of this nature. Last year's event was an outstanding success for all concerned and we are looking forward to further success this year." The Olex Taranaki Open will include both the New Zealand Titleist men's and women's squads, with officials hopeful of attracting some top amateurs from Australia. GTNZ officials are also in discussion with a number of young professionals who will use the event to prepare for upcoming Tour School Qualifying tournaments for Europe, United States, Asia and Australasian Tours. Already confirmed are Canadian Tour players Ben Gallie and Nick Davey, along with young professionals Brad Shilton, Steve Gordon, Carl Brooking and last year's runner up Mark Brown. The Olex Taranaki Open starts with a Pro-Am on Wednesday 28 September and 72-hole tournament running from 29 September to 2 October. Olex New Zealand Limited is part of the Olex Holdings Group, the largest Australasian electrical power cable manufacturer. The company has provided the New Zealand electrical market for more than 35 years and is the leading supplier of electrical power cables, products and technical solutions. The company, based in New Plymouth, employs 150 staff. For further information contact: David McCallum, Taranaki Golf, Tel 06 755 1349 ext 4 Mob: 027 246 7994 Greg Turner, Golf Tour New Zealand, Tel 021 353 618 Ian Hepenstall, Sports Media NZ, Tel 09 232 2960, Mob 021 613 181
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