Otago Golf Club officials are keeping the details to themselves but they are poised to confirm a major new tournament next week.
The Otago Daily Times understands the club will host a seniors tournament, possibly as part of the Australian Legends Tour, at the Balmacewen course in February-March.
The tournament could carry a purse of $40,000 and attract the leading Australian and New Zealand professional players aged 50 and over.
There is also speculation New Zealand golfing great Sir Bob Charles will be linked to the event, and a high-profile American player will be sought to play in the tournament, which could become an annual event.
Otago Golf Club general manager Gordon Marr declined to reveal any details of the tournament yesterday.
New Zealand PGA events manager Jim Clelland also declined to comment.
The Legends Tour includes about 30 tournaments a year.
This year, four were held in New Zealand in March, including Pro-ams at the North Shore Golf Club, the Auckland Golf Club and the Lakes Resort, and the New Zealand PGA Seniors Championship.
Otago golfer Jim Lapsley won the New Zealand PGA at the Wairakei course in Taupo.
Other prominent golfers on the Legends Tour this year include Rodger Davis, Simon Owen, Ossie Moore and Wayne Grady.
The seniors tournament could form part of a huge year for golf in Otago.
Balmacewen has already been confirmed as host of the national intercollegiate tournament and the national age group championships in September, while St Clair will host the South Island men's and women's strokeplay in February.
One of the biggest events on the Otago sporting calendar will be the New Zealand Open in January, to be held for a third time at The Hills near Arrowtown.
