For the first time ever, the New Zealand Open will be launched with a Par 3 event that will take place on the newly-built course ‘The Farm’ at The Hills in Queenstown.

The unique Par 3 event is set for the eve of the tournament, 27 February, and serves as the official curtain-raiser for the 100th New Zealand Open, which will run from 28th February to 3rd March at the Millbrook Resort and The Hills in Queenstown.

The Par 3 event will also be the first time Sir Michael Hill’s brand-new Par 3 course will be played by anyone other than a few Hills members. A private property, this represents a unique opportunity for the public to see this world-class and very exciting course.

15 past champions are now confirmed to play and include Kiwi icons Sir Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, Greg Turner and Mike Hendry, along with other former Open champions like Brad Kennedy, Dimi Papadatos, Matt Griffin and of course last year’s champion Daniel Nisbet. They will be joined by New Zealand favourite Ryan Fox, a select group of amateurs and some of the tournament ambassadors including Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Ricky Ponting, Tom Walsh, Sir Ian Botham, Jeff Wilson, Shane Warne and others.

The Par 3 day represents the first opportunity to reflect on the great competition, careers, players and shots over the history of the tournament and the game since the first Open in 1907.

Source: NZ golf