The 2014 Mercedes Trophy New Zealand Final was held at Millbrook Resort near Queenstown from April 25-27.
The highly competitive annual tournament presents Mercedes-Benz customers with a passion for golf, the opportunity to experience one of New Zealand’s premier golf resorts, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz. As an exclusive international series of invitational tournaments for Mercedes-Benz customers, over 65,000 participants from 37 countries tee off at the Mercedes Trophy each year in local, regional and national events.
The exclusive field of 24 qualifying competitors at the 2014 national final were competing for the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the Mercedes Trophy World Final taking place at the ‘birthplace of the automobile’, Stuttgart, Germany.
Despite brisk mornings and a frost delay before the final round, excellent golfing conditions were enjoyed by all competitors, played with the backdrop of Queenstown’s renowned mountain scenery.
After 36 holes of competition, three players prevailed.
Michael Bayliss from Armstrong Prestige Dunedin, competed exceptionally across both tournament days to finish with 67 stableford points and claim the prestigious New Zealand title.
Mark Jeffries from North Shore and Peter Jordan from Coutts Newmarket completed the tournament with 65 points a-piece to finish second and third respectively, and will join Michael as Team New Zealand at the MercedesTrophy World Final from September 25-30.
In addition to the overall tournament prize, the New Zealand finalists were given the opportunity to compete for a number of exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The ‘Drive to the Major’ straightest drive competition, held on the 7th hole of the ‘Remarkables’ course, offered golfers the chance to win a trip to the 2014 staging of ‘The Open Championship’ and tee off on historic Royal Liverpool in the ‘Monday After Event’.
Larry Olsen from Ingham Prestige Hamilton drove his ball to just 1.90m from the line marking the centre of the fairway, to be awarded the unrivalled, all-expenses paid VIP experience.
Mercedes-Benz also offered a brand new GLA 200 CDI to any competitor who could achieve a hole-in-one on the designated par three hole.
Under the close watch of tournament host and PGA professional golfer Phil Tataurangi, some brilliant golf was played, though competitors were unable to register an elusive ace.
Commenting on the tournament, Ben Giffin, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars New Zealand said: “Mercedes-Benz has a passion for perfection.
We have the most dedicated customers in the world and we are delighted to be able to offer them these truly unique golfing experiences. We wish Michael, Mark and Peter the very best of luck as they represent New Zealand in September. We know they will do us proud.”
Picture Caption:
(From left) Wanaka golfer Michael Bayliss, winner of the 2014 Mercedes Trophy, third place-getter Peter Jordan and
second place-getter Mark Jeffries.
For more information please contact:
David McCarthy
Senior Manager – Corporate Communications
Mercedes-Benz Australia / Pacific Pty Ltd
Telephone: + 61 (0) 3 9566 9251
Mobile Telephone: +61 (0) 412 377 099
Email: david.mccarthy@daimler.com
Or
Jerry Stamoulis
Manager - Corporate Communications
Mercedes-Benz Australia / Pacific Pty Ltd
Telephone: + 61 (0)3 9566 9240
Mobile Telephone: +61 (0) 435 777 088
Fax: +61 (0)3 9565 9683
E-mail: jerry.stamoulis@daimler.com
Internet sites:
Further information from Daimler is available on the internet at www.media.daimler.com
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at www.Mercedes-Benz.co.nz
