The New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport is a mainstay of the country’s sporting calendar and a centrepiece for world-class competition in Queenstown. The 104^th edition of the tournament, first held in 1907, will be played on Millbrook Resort’s two championship 18-hole courses from February 27 until March 2 2025.

The unique Pro-Am format, introduced 12 years ago, includes paying amateurs, tournament sponsors and ambassadors paired with 156 professional players from around the world in a simultaneous best-ball format.

Tournament director Michael Glading says with such an outstanding display of sportsmanship and golfing on show next year and free entry for the fourth consecutive time residents and visitors are encouraged to diary the event now.

“There’s nowhere else in New Zealand where spectators can enjoy four days of world-class sport in one of the country’s most picturesque settings for free.”

From California to the Open

Californians Ed Hazel and Chris Harter fell in love with the Queenstown region and its golf courses in the mid-1990s, visiting regularly from their home in Monterey and becoming members of the Arrowtown Golf Club.

When the New Zealand Open was first played at The Hills golf course they decided volunteering would help them meet more people with shared interests as well as allowing them to contribute to the local community and be part of something special.

In their first year they managed a scoreboard and one of Ed’s favourite memories is of fishing then Prime Minister John Key’s ball out of a water hazard. Ed and Hazel were hooked from the outset enjoying meeting people from all walks of life. Over the years their tournament “friends” circle has grown to 12 and is now officially an adopt a hole group with international membership.

“The New Zealand Open is a great event for golfers and non-golfers alike and the whole experience is about helping the community and event participants,” says Ed. “It’s a great way to make lifelong friends and watch some very talented people play a game that is both enjoyable and frustrating at every level.”

Millbrook Resort flies the flag

Millbrook Resort is the underwriter of the New Zealand Open hosting all four days of competition on its impressive Coronet and Remarkables courses.

“To be recognised as the home of the New Zealand Open and deliver a world-class event that keeps growing from strength to strength each year is something that everyone at Millbrook is immensely proud of,” says director of operations Brian Howie. “That includes our owners the Ishii family, our members and of course our staff who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible experience each year.”

“Over the years we’ve seen the Open develop into one of Australasia’s biggest tournaments not only in terms of the prize money but also the international reach it has being co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australia and the Asian Tour and in partnership with the Japanese Tour. “

“The whole feel of tournament week at Millbrook is something very special,” says Brian. “The huge effort that goes into staging this event from all stakeholders involved is well worthwhile given that it puts Millbrook and Queenstown on the world stage which is of great benefit to the region as a whole.”