Emirates Means Business At NZ Open's Eighth Hole

Media Release 8 November 2006

Emirates Means Business At NZ Open's Eighth Hole

Sharp-shooting golf professionals playing in the 2006 Blue Chip New Zealand Open will have plenty of incentive to "do the business" on the par-three, Emirates-sponsored 8th hole during the event, starting at the end of this month.

On all four days, if one of the professionals holes in one at the 8th, their prize will be an Emirates business class trip for two to Dubai from a point on the award-winning airline's network of 87 destinations, which include Auckland and Christchurch.

The tournament, which is co-sanctioned with the European and Australasian Tours, is to be played at Gulf Harbour, outside Auckland, from November 30 to December 3.

Said Emirates' New Zealand manager Chris Lethbridge: "Not only is the prize at stake on all four days, rather than the more common practice of just the final two days, but more than one golfer can win. If by some chance there are multiple aces on the 8th, each successful golfer will win a double ticket and enjoy Emirates' renowned quality of service and a long-haul flight.

"The 162-metre 8th is one of the most naturally attractive holes on the first half of the course, and this prize will undoubtedly add to its appeal."

As a major sponsor and official airline for the tournament for the third year, Emirates will have four branded holes at Gulf Harbour.

Players confirmed for the Blue Chip New Zealand Open include Simon Dyson (ENG), Michael Campbell (NZL), Richard Green (AUS), Nick Dougherty (ENG) Jarrod Lyle (AUS), Brett Rumford (AUS), Peter O'Malley (AUS), Jason Day (AUS), Mahal Pearce (NZL), Brad Iles (NZL), Mathew Holten (NZL), Daniel Chopra (SWE), Mark Brown (NZL), Craig Perks (NZL), Michael Sim (AUS) and Peter Senior (AUS).

ends

© Scoop Media