The 101st edition of the New Zealand Open will feature, for the first time in its history, a million-dollar hole-in-one prize for any professional or amateur who can master the par-3 seventh hole at The Hills Golf Club.
In an exciting announcement, the tournament organisers revealed that major sponsor, Manuka Doctor, is presenting a $1 million hole-in-one challenge, to deliver what could be a very lucky shot for those competing to have their name etched in glory.
Tournament chairman John Hart says the prize brings a new level of prestige to the New Zealand Open. Having a premium Kiwi brand like Manuka Doctor behind it, shows the level the tournament has risen too.
“The million-dollar hole-in-one is a drawcard for everyone in the field, no matter their status in the world of golf. One perfect shot is all it will take!” Hart said.
“Manuka Doctor, a great supporter of the tournament, has been instrumental in bringing Michael Campbell back over the past two years, so to now add this opportunity for all of our players, amateur and professional, adds significant value to the New Zealand Open.”
In providing the prize, Manuka Doctor’s Nicola Macfarlane is delighted to be able to create this opportunity for the players, adding extra motivation to attempt the ‘nearly impossible’ at the Open.
“We love the New Zealand Open, and seeing the players light up as they attempt to find the perfect sweet shot in the pursuit for the New Zealand Open title,” Macfarlane said.
“The great thing about the million-dollar prize is not only could any golfer have a life-changing shot, a quarter of the prize ($NZ250,000) will be donated to the Starship Children’s Hospital. So, it’s a win-win scenario in our eyes.”
“High on my list is a hole-in-one at the New Zealand Open,” Campbell said. “Now with this prize pot being presented by Manuka Doctor, I am even more buzzing to be home in New Zealand playing the game I love.”
The hole-in-one opportunity is open to all registered players, on the seventh hole at The Hills, in both the New Zealand Open and the New Zealand Pro-Am tournaments on both Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th of February, 2020. The prize will be split $750,000 to the player, and $250,000 to Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital.
Sir Michael Hill is equally as excited to have a prize this significant up for grabs at The Hills stating: “We’ve had very few holes-in-one at the seventh at The Hills, but many close calls. Someone making the perfect shot to win $1 million against that iconic backdrop of mountains and sculpture would not only be a magic moment in their life, it would be a magnificent way to mark 10 years of New Zealand Opens at The Hills.”