Resource consent has been lodged for a $30 million, 18-hole championship course, clubhouse and practice facility, and 96 houses, near Arrowtown.
Hogans Gully Farm Ltd, owned by Sir John Davies' company Trojan Holdings and run by his son, Michael Davies, proposes to develop 132ha of mostly uneconomic farmland bordered by Hogan's Gully Rd, McDonnell Rd and State Highway 6.
Yesterday, Open chairman John Hart told the Otago Daily Times the proposed new course's design was "exciting".
It will add another international-quality course to Queenstown and, as we know, golf tourism has become so strong in New Zealand and the main thrust of golf tourism is through Queenstown, so having another international course can only add to the value of golf tourism in New Zealand.
"On a personal level, I'm excited, because we talked to the owners and the designers and we think it would be a wonderful addition, in time, as part of the NZ Open because, ultimately, we need three courses to run the NZ Open the way we have and to have another option available to us in such close proximity to Millbrook ... and The Hills is obviously something which we're very, very interested in.
"I think it's great for Queenstown and great for New Zealand golf."
Mr Hart said the announcement of the Hogans Gully course did not affect the plans to include the Jacks Point course in the NZ Open in time, following a model of "the great tournaments", the Dunhill and AT&T.
"Jacks Point's a very strong part of our planning and we're in discussions with them.
"This is looking at a three to five-year strategy and we're going to need three courses.
"I think also it'll be good to have the ability to vary that from time to time."
The course has been designed by former golf pro Greg Turner, of Arrowtown, and Baxter Design Group. The lead project consultant is Ryan Brandeburg, former director of golf at Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers.
Mr Turner said the site's natural features would be used to create a "very unique golf course" that would "blend in rather than stand out".
The application said it would "look as if it was created by the hand of Mother Nature".
Before finalising his design, Mr Turner produced 20 to 30 versions, dating back to 2007.
"I've spent literally hundreds of hours out there, wandering around.
"I've introduced myself to every rabbit."
The development would also include a low-scale clubhouse including a golf shop and gym, designed by Auckland architect Andrew Patterson.
Houses, in five "clusters", would comprise about 2% of the development and would not be visible from McDonnell Rd or State Highway 6.
Michael Davies said he hoped the application could be heard in August and, if approved, physical works could start next year.
At earliest, the resort could open in late 2021, he said.
