NBC-televised event features four of the top under-30 players in the world competing at stunning Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers GC in New Zealand
NEW YORK (Oct. 1, 2008) – The inaugural Kiwi Challenge, a made-for-TV event featuring four of the game’s brightest young stars, is now an officially sanctioned event on the PGA TOUR’s Challenge Events’ season, an 11-event series that caps off the PGA TOUR schedule.
The Oct. 27-28 Kiwi Challenge features four of the top young players in the world – Adam Scott, Brandt Snedeker, Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan – playing 18 holes each day over two days on two of the most picturesque courses in the world: Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers. NBC will televise the Kiwi Challenge in vivid HDTV Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16.
The PGA TOUR and Kiwi Challenge signed a three-year deal to include the event as a part of the Challenge Events’ season, which begins with the Tavistock Cup in March and ends with Tiger Woods’ Chevron World Challenge presented by Bank of America Dec. 18-21; the season includes some of the most storied events on Tour, including the LG SKINS GAME, Del Webb Father/Son Challenge and Greg Norman’s Merrill Lynch Shootout.
“We are pleased to officially add the Kiwi Challenge as one of the PGA TOUR’s Challenge Events, beginning this year with the exciting field of Adam Scott, Brandt Snedeker, Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan,” said Ed Moorhouse, PGA TOUR co-chief operating officer. “The participation of these rising, young PGA TOUR stars will make the inaugural Kiwi Challenge a can’t-miss event for golf fans in New Zealand and those watching from around the world.”
Julian Robertson, the owner of both Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers and the founder of the Kiwi Challenge, said “Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan were real American Ryder Cup heroes. They showed poise, power and perseverance under extreme pressure. We can’t wait for them to meet up with Adam Scott and Brandt Snedeker in the Kiwi Challenge.”
The Kiwi Challenge will feature a $2.6 million purse and $1.5 million winner’s check, one of the largest winner’s checks in golf. The four players will contend for that purse in novel, yet spectacular fashion — by playing 18 holes on consecutive days on courses 350 miles apart.
First up is 7,119-yard Kauri Cliffs. Designed by Orlando-based architect David Harman, Kauri Cliffs hosted the 2003 Shell Wonderful World of Golf, a match pitting New Zealander Michael Campbell against the popular Fred Couples. Kauri Cliffs, which was named the Best New International Course by Golf Digest in 2001, features 15 holes that view the Pacific Ocean.
From there, the players will take on Cape Kidnappers, the Tom Doak-designed course overlooking beautiful Hawke’s Bay that in four short years, has become one of the top golf courses in the world. Also measuring out at 7,119 yards, Cape Kidnappers was ranked 41st in the world by Golf Magazine, a fitting tribute for a course with holes that not only jut out dramatically over the Pacific, but bring a working farm into play.
A limited number of spectator tickets will be available and can be purchased via Ticket Direct at www.ticketdirect.co.nz. Tickets went on sale August 1, 2008. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit local community charities in Northland and Hawke’s Bay.
About the Courses
Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers are world-class, luxury golf resorts on New Zealand’s North Island. Located in the Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs is ranked the 63rd best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine and was recently voted the No. 1 International Golf Resort in the World by Golf Digest Index. Some 350 miles to the Southeast lies Cape Kidnappers which was ranked the 41st best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine. Opened in January 2008, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers features 26 luxury suites overlooking the golf course, farm, and Pacific Ocean.
On top of spectacular golf courses, each facility features extensive golf practice areas, gourmet dining, a spa, and numerous outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, and various adventure activities. Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers are both members of Relais and Chateaux. For more information, on the Kiwi Challenge please visit www.thekiwichallenge.com and for more information on the two golf courses please visit www.kauricliffs.com and www.capekidnappers.com.
About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.
In 2008, the three Tours are competing in approximately 108 events for approximately $355 million in prize money. Tournaments are being held in nine countries outside the U.S. and in 37 states. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
Contact:
Brian Robin, Matt Paulson/Brener Zwikel & Associates
(818) 462-5610/5609
