The pride of Gore will get an opportunity to ruffle some professional feathers in Arrowtown next month.
Vaughan McCall was yesterday named as one of four amateurs to play in the $900,000 New Zealand Open at The Hills and Millbrook.
The 22-year-old Gore Golf Club representative will play in his second open, qualifying after finishing as the leading player on the 2013 NZ Golf Order of Merit.
''I can't lie. I'm absolutely stoked to have a start into the New Zealand Open,'' McCall said.
''I have had so many people ask if I'll be playing and I know heaps of people who are keen to come and watch. It's a great chance for me to fly the Gore flag. I can't wait.''
McCall tied for 42nd at the 2012 New Zealand Open at Clearwater, and was also 42nd at the New Zealand PGA Pro-Am at The Hills last year.
He expects both Arrowtown courses to present their challenges.
''I can't wait to see what holes they use at Millbrook since they have added the new nine holes. The new nine brings such a different challenge with Turner-McPherson design. I really like his tests.
''I always enjoy The Hills. Through February it plays hard and fast and is a really good challenge.''
The other amateurs named for the February 27 to March 2 tournament were Cameron Jones (Muriwai), Kadin Neho (Whangarei) and Jordan Golding (Omanu).
They will seek to follow in the footsteps of Australian Jake Higginbottom, who won the title in 2012 at Clearwater to be the first amateur winner of the New Zealand Open since 1956.
Jones (21) secured his place in the field when he won the New Zealand strokeplay championship at the Paraparaumu Beach club for his breakthrough national success.
''It's a pretty special feeling getting to tee it up in my national Open again,'' Jones said.
''I gained the exemption from winning the New Zealand strokeplay and I feel like I have earned my spot in the field. I'm extremely excited and working really hard at the opportunity I have to compete with the pros.''
Jones, who missed the cut at the Open in 2012 by only one stroke, feels like he has unfinished business at the tournament.
''I caddied for Brad Shilton in the NZ PGA Pro-Am last year so I got to know The Hills fairly well from being on the bag. I think it will suit my ball striking.
''I don't know Millbrook at all. I haven't played there, but from what I hear it's a really nice course to play so it should be enjoyable.''
Neho and Golding will make their New Zealand Open debuts.
Neho (18) made history at the Manawatu Golf Club when he became the first golfer from Northland to win the New Zealand Amateur Championship in 120 years.
Golding secured his place in the elite company when he won the New Zealand Maori championship in Taupo.
