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Taranaki Open 2005
Turner confident about golf concept
2 Oct 2005

Former professional Greg Turner is confident that the success of the $40,000 Olex Taranaki Open will lead to further events to offer a key development for the future of golf in this country.

Turner established the Golf Tour New Zealand concept last year, joining the country’s elite players – amateurs and professionals, male and female – together to one tournament. It offers a higher level of competition for the amateurs and crucial events for young professionals who struggle to find playing opportunities.

He is delighted by the success of the second event in New Plymouth, and is confident of announcing more events before Christmas.

"I would have liked things to have moved a little quicker but in saying that it was important that any new tournaments have a secure future," Turner said. "There are a number of groups and clubs now very interested in joining GTNZ."

Turner has also received considerable support from some of New Zealand’s leading sportsmen and women for his concept – including Grant Fox, Brett Steven, Marnie McGuire and Russell Coutts who have put their weight behind the concept.

Both Fox and Steven attended this week’s Taranaki Open and were both adamant that a top level domestic competition was vital for the development of any sport in New Zealand.

Turner said while the country is basking in the exploits of Michael Campbell he believes that a different approach is needed for the development of the game if New Zealand does not want to wait a further 40 years until the next Michael Campbell.

"The GTNZ concept is a key aspect to this development," Turner said. "I think we also need to look at how we prepare our best young players to become professionals.

"Currently as soon as they turn professional all support stops. They need to be fully prepared to understand all aspects of the game on and off the course before they turn. And they need support for those crucial first two or three years."

Turner believes there will be five or six GTNZ tournaments next year.

For further information contact: Ian Hepenstall, Sports Media NZ, Tel 021 613181