2013 NZ WOMEN'S OPEN AT CLEARWATER GC, FEBRUARY 8-10

FROM THE LET WEBSITE
New Zealand Golf and Event Promoters Tuohy Associates (NZ) announced today the ISPS Handa NZ Women’s Open hosted by Christchurch would return to the Clearwater Golf Club from February 8 - 10 in 2013.
With the ongoing support from the City of Christchurch and the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) and its chairman Dr. Haruhisa Handa, the ISPS Handa NZ Women’s Open will be once again co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf Tour.
Scheduled between the prestigious Australian Ladies Masters and ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, the NZ Women’s Open is assured of securing the best field since the introduction of the Women’s Open in 2009.
The tournament is in its fifth year after the inaugural championship was staged at the Clearwater Golf Club in 2009 and for the past three years it has been staged at the Pegasus Golf and Sports Club north of Christchurch.
It holds a special place in the New Zealand sporting landscape as, with a purse of $315,000 (NZD), it is the most lucrative women’s sporting event in the country.
The sponsorship from ISPS, headed up by Japanese philanthropist Dr. Handa, with support of the Christchurch City Council has ensured the continuation of the event in the Garden City.
“We at ISPS strongly believe in the power of sport, its ability to create hope, inspire people and transform society,” said Dr. Handa, ISPS Chairman.
“We know that golf has the capability to do much more than just entertain, so it is fantastic to see that this tournament will be able to support New Zealand and in particular help with the rebuilding of the City of Christchurch during these testing times.”Mayor Bob Parker said he’s delighted to welcome back to Christchurch the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open. “It’s wonderful news that ISPS Handa has renewed its sponsorship for a further two years,” said Mayor Parker. "This is such a prestigious event on the golfing calendar and as a city we are committed to attracting and hosting top sporting events such as this one
 “The Women’s Open will be held at Clearwater in 2013. It is a privilege to be hosting leading professionals from all around the world and I know that the people of Christchurch will be eager to witness the talent and entertainment that will be on offer at this spectacular venue. 
"We also look forward to the many visitors that will be in our city for this tournament which will also ultimately have a positive economic impact on the city".