Organisers of the 2020 New Zealand Open have made the bold move to offer free entry to the event being held at both Millbrook Resort and The Hills near Queenstown from 27 February to 1 March.
Proudly claiming we are ‘opening the gates’, Tournament Director Michael Glading said the move is to entice people from across the country to come and enjoy everything that the New Zealand Open has to offer.
“We’ve held the Open in Queenstown for eight consecutive years and as an event, it’s reached the level of maturity and support that means we can open our gates for the 2020 event,” said Glading.
“While we’re making the event free entry there will be a charge for car parking with all proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Queenstown to distribute.
“As part of the evolution of the event we’ve always wanted the Open to have a larger charity element.”
Founded in 1907, this year’s event will be the 101st and is a co-sanctioned event on the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour schedules.
The professional field of 152 players will play the first two rounds alternately at Millbrook Resort and The Hills before the second round cut of 60 + ties.
Concurrently, 152 amateur players, each partnering with a Professional in a two-man best-ball event, will compete for the NZ Pro-Am Championship.
On hearing of the free entry announcement, Queenstown resident and Professional Golfer Ben Campbell, who will be making his eighth appearance at the New Zealand Open, said he is hoping a large local crowd turns up to support both the local and international players.
“As professional players, we love seeing large crowds on the course and hearing their reactions around the green really gives us a buzz,” said Campbell.
“Removing the cost of entry to New Zealand’s premier tournament is a great way to allow everyone the chance to enjoy top-level golf in our backyard.”
The New Zealand Open, presented by SKY Sport, will be staged at Millbrook Resort and The Hills near Queenstown on 27 February to 1 March and NZ Golf Magazine will have a full preview of the event in our upcoming editions of the magazine.
