The 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport is just weeks aways, and excitement is building at Millbrook Resort as we prepare to host this prestigious men's golf tournament in Queenstown from 27th February - 2nd March. Featuring top players from around the globe, the event promises a thrilling display of talent and a lively atmosphere. Best of all, it's free to attend and welcomes all ages. Whether you're a golf fan or just looking for something different to experience, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the excitement of four action-packed days. If it's your first time attending and you'd like to know more about what's in store, here's a guide to what you can expect.
The heart of the event is on the village greens in Millbrook Resort's centre, offering a relaxed spot to lounge and enjoy food, drinks, and the atmosphere. It's also a fantastic spot for families, with lots of tournament sponsor activities for the kids and adults to enjoy. Multiple food stands will be serving up delicious options, and the team from Canyon Brewing will be pouring refreshing brews. There's also a coffee cart to help kick start your morning with a caffeine boost.
From here you can follow all the action and live scoring on one of the multiple big screens which will showcase stunning views of the Remarkables and Coronet 18 holes. For an even closer look, you can find a spot on the free public grandstand overlooking the Remarkables 18th hole. Another grandstand at the 1st tee of the Remarkables course offers a great vantage point to watch golfer's start of their round for the day.
Millbrook Resort's Hole In One Café and Smithy's Smoke House will be open as usual, offering even more food and drink options.
For those who want to immerse themselves in the action, spectators are welcome to follow their favourite golfers around the course and if you're unsure where to start, maps are available at the information booth.
If you plan to head out on the course and follow golfers throughout the day, be sure to check out the public shuttles which are available from the transport hub to key locations around Millbrook Resort. You can grab some food from the public village or pack a picnic for the family and enjoy the stunning scenery! Make sure you remember sun protection if it's a sunny day and an umbrella if rain is expected. It's a fantastic way to get up close to the golfers and fully experience the event.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the New Zealand Open take place on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th of February with 156 professionals and 156 amateurs teeing off in groups of four, each featuring two professionals and two amateurs. After Friday, the top 60 professional players (plus ties) advance to the weekend to complete for the title.
The excitement truly ramps up on the weekend as the crowd grows and the competition heats up with golfers playing a composite course made up of nine holes from each of the Coronet and Remarkables courses. The event concludes on Sunday evening with the winner lifting the trophy on the 18th hole - a moment not to be missed!
For those with children, make sure you register them for the Future Festival of Golf held on the Sunday morning, a fun-filled morning of golf for young people of all ages and abilities to give golf a go through fun challenges and activities. To sign up visit here.
This year's tournament features an impressive lineup of New Zealand players competing for the title, including Ben Campbell, Daniel Hillier, Sam Jones, and Steven Alker to name a few. Joining them are 2023 champion Brendan Jones from Australia and last year's winner Takahiro Hataji from Japan, both retuning to vie for the cup once again.
With a strong lineup of players, stunning surroundings, and plenty of action both on and off the course, this year's New Zealand Open promises to be an unforgettable event. Don't miss the chance to be part of the excitement and witness world-class golf right here at Millbrook Resort.
For more tournament details and to view the live draw as the event approaches, visit NZOpen.com.
