Local golf clubs unite for NZ Open and children's charity in inaugural
Monday 18 November 2013, 2:09PM
By New Zealand Open
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Otago, Southland and Canterbury golfers are being encouraged to tee-off on Saturday December 7 in the inaugural New Zealand Open Day to support the 2014 NZ Open and a children’s golf charity.
NZ Open organisers will give away two season tickets to the 2014 NZ Open to every golf club in the region to compete for on the day.
Every golfer who plays in their club’s New Zealand Open Day competition will also go in the draw to win one of eight double passes to play a round at each of the two NZ Open co-host venues - The Hills and Millbrook Resort.
The NZ Open Day will partner with The First Tee, an organisation that aims to embed core values into Kiwi kids through school and club-based junior golf programmes.
Each player is asked to support the children’s golf charity with a $5 entry fee on the day to raise funds to continue the work they do.
NZ Open operations and marketing manager Michael Goldstein said the NZ Open Day was a chance for the NZ Open to give back to golfers from across the region while also raising money for charity.
“The NZ Open Day is a chance for golf clubs big and small to be part of the New Zealand Open while supporting our charitable partner,” Mr Goldstein said.
“The work The First Tee does to help Kiwi kids grow into well-rounded, contributing adults is inspiring. We’re proud to have The First Tee as a partner to the event and we look forward to working with them as they help to grow junior golfers through their programmes in the lower South Island.”
First Tee CEO Vicki Watson said the NZ Open Day was a welcome addition to the build up for the New Zealand Open and formed an important part of the charity’s work to expand and develop programmes in the regions.
“The clubs and players that support this NZ Open Day will help us deliver The First Tee school and after-school programmes in their region,” she said.
“All monies raised regionally will stay in that region and it’s the region’s local children who’ll benefit directly from the donations.
“Golf is so much more than a sport. It encourages integrity, sportsmanship, responsibility and perseverance – much needed skills to thrive in life.
“Our mission is to ‘grow great Kiwis through golf’ and we’re really looking forward to expanding our reach to really make a difference to communities in Otago, Southland and Canterbury.”
Returning to Queenstown next year, the 2014 New Zealand Open will be played in a Pro-Am format incorporating 132 professional players and 132 amateur players over the first two days.
Tickets to the NZ Open are on sale now via Ticketek at www.ticketek.co.nz.