Columnist Peter Benton: New Zealand visit filled with intrigue

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002 | 9:43 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Prior to last week's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, the last event Tiger Woods competed in was the New Zealand Open, where he tied for sixth after rounds of 70-73-67-69--279 over the par-71 Paraparaumu Beach Layout.

Yes, old news indeed. However, as a New Zealander myself, and having received numerous phone calls, e-mails and newspaper clippings regarding the event, you may find some of the following as interesting as I did.

Woods, who reportedly received a $2 million appearance fee, agreed to play in the New Zealand tournament as a favor to his Kiwi caddie, Steve Williams, who hails from the small coastal town of Paraparaumu.

Before the tournament, it appeared many people (including some fellow professionals) were riled because of the outlandish ticket prices ($500 for a four-day pass) which were necessary to help offset the amount being paid to El Tigre.

However, the Woods foray Down Under was an unmitigated success and he proved to be an excellent ambassador for both the USA and golf.

"The aim of the people who got behind the event was to bring the world's No. 1 golfer to New Zealand and that was accomplished," said David Pool, one of the sponsors.

"People I have spoken to have been absolutely euphoric about it, so from that perspective, we have succeeded. Tiger and his management have been fantastic and assisted us beyond what they had to do."

Heavy rains which plagued the tournament from the outset were very disappointing to the public, players and sponsors and left the latter counting their losses rather than profits.

They were not at all bitter about their misfortune, however. If the chance of Woods returning arose again, they would be happy to talk terms, adding that Auckland (the largest city in New Zealand) would have more drawing power.

Upon his arrival at the Paraparaumu layout, Woods charmed the mass media when, among other things, he expanded on the special bond he shares with his sidekick, Williams.

"Our relationship has gone beyond that of caddie and player. While he is important to me on the course, he has become a best friend and is very close to me. We confide in each other and I cherish that side of our relationship more than golf," Woods said.

Woods added that his trip to New Zealand also had a sentimental factor. "It is a little bit more special. The reception I've received since I have been here has been incredible. I have been all around the world, and that's not always the case. The people here have been absolutely tremendous."