Famed caddie for Tiger Woods will join NBC team for Nov. 15-16 telecast of Challenge Season event featuring Kim, Scott, Snedeker and Mahan
NEW YORK (Oct. 6, 2008) – Steve Williams, who is accustomed to being in front of the camera toting Tiger Woods’ golf bag, will find himself in front of the camera toting an NBC microphone across two golf courses in his native New Zealand.
The Wellington-born Williams will make his TV commentator debut at the inaugural Kiwi Challenge, which will be televised in HDTV on NBC Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16 in the United States.
In New Zealand, the Kiwi Challenge will air on Sky TV Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. (NZ time).
One of the most famous caddies in the world, Williams will serve as an on-course commentator for the event, which features United States Ryder Cup heroes Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan joining Adam Scott and Brandt Snedeker in a 36-hole, stroke-play event that offers one of the largest winner’s checks in golf — $1.5 million — out of the $2.6 million purse.
“This is my first experience at this,” Williams said. “I’m doing this because the Kiwi Challenge will bring great exposure for New Zealand and give New Zealanders the opportunity to see four of the world’s best players in one group. Seldom would we have four players of this quality at a tournament.”
Joining Williams in front of the camera are familiar faces to golf viewers: Dan Hicks, Roger Maltbie and Mark Rolfing, who will provide their familiar commentary and hosting duties at a PGA TOUR Challenge Season event that features four of the top young golfers in the world.
“We think the Kiwi Challenge has a recipe for a great golf event. Four of the best young players in the world playing on two of the most beautiful and challenging courses anywhere in the world. It is going to be a terrific event,” NBC Sports Golf Producer Tommy Roy said.
Because the event will be played at Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers – two courses 350 miles apart – on consecutive days, the Kiwi Challenge is also an event that will challenge the capabilities of even the most talented television producers and their crews.
Veteran television producer Jim Walton Jr., who is producing the event in conjunction with Pithey Communications for NBC Sports, brings more than a quarter-century of television production experience to the inaugural Kiwi Challenge.
Among other things, Walton served as the coordinating producer for 43 episodes of the modern series of Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf including the 2003 match between Fred Couples and Michael Campbell that was played at Kauri Cliffs.
But he hasn’t encountered anything like the logistics that await him here.
“Each course will require its own separate technical installation,” Walton said. “Much of the hardware and many of the technicians will be from New Zealand and we will be on the ground in New Zealand 10 days before the first day of competition in order to execute the plan on both courses. The moveable feast of announcers, production personnel and technicians who have to move between courses will number around 40.
“The easy part will be showcasing the beauty of New Zealand and especially both Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers, plus the environs around both courses.”
Walton plans to use Williams as a way to bring the beauty of New Zealand in general and the two courses in particular to a worldwide viewing audience. Williams will not only discuss his native land’s points of interest along with noteworthy elements of the two courses and what they mean to the players, but he’ll provide insight on what golf means to New Zealanders.
“The telecast will weave vignettes about both properties and shots of other points of interest in New Zealand in with the golf competition. And Steve will be a big part of that,” Walton said.
“The two courses will showcase the magnificent scenery New Zealand is famous for,” Williams said, talking about a Kauri Cliffs course named the Best New International Course by Golf Digest in 2001 and a Cape Kidnappers course that was ranked 41st in the world by Golf Magazine. “The exposure from this event will keep golf in the news. This comes at the commencement of summer, which is great timing.”
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.
Contact:
Brian Robin, Matt Paulson/Brener Zwikel & Associates
(818) 462-5610/5609
