One Otago golfer will win a place in the New Zealand Open field and it will not be through the order of merit or qualifying.
The organisers of the New Zealand Open announced yesterday they were running a competition for a place in the amateur field in the Open.
A special golf day will take place, sponsored by Arrowtown businessman Michael Hill, at various golf clubs through the Queenstown Lakes and Cromwell areas.
Golfers who play at Arrowtown, Queenstown (Kelvin Heights), Wanaka, Cromwell, Kingston and Glenorchy courses on February 21 next year will go into a draw to win a golf experience of a lifetime.
The player can be male or female.
Each club can decide who plays, although the winner must have a registered handicap with New Zealand Golf of no more than 18 (men) and 20 (women).
The prize, including a minimum of two days' play at The Hills and Millbrook courses alongside a professional, will be drawn across all six clubs on competition day.
Tournament sponsor and supporter Michael Hill welcomed the new competition, which acknowledged the help of the volunteers at the Open.
He knew that without that support, the New Zealand Open simply would not happen.
It was also announced yesterday an open-air concert would again be held on the Friday night of the tournament.
The Open Sounds concert will start at 6pm after play finishes on March 13 and will be free for those attending the golf.
People 18 and under are eligible for free entry to the tournament for all four days.
Benny Tipene will perform at the concert after Anika Moa played this year.
The Open runs from March 12-15 next year.
