Organisers have reluctantly come to that decision due to the continued border entry restrictions for international players, coupled with the prohibitive restrictions operating under the current Red Traffic Light setting, which means it is no longer possible to hold the event in 2022.
A stronger field and a greater certainty of proceeding are the driving forces behind the decision of tournament organisers to delay the 102nd staging of the New Zealand Open at the Millbrook Resort near Queenstown.
On the back of the development of another world-class nine holes at Millbrook Resort, which is due to open for member play in late 2021, these new holes, combined with the existing nine, will complete the new championship “Coronet” course.
He also becomes the first player to win the New Zealand Open twice since Greg Turner in 1997, and the first Australian to win twice since Bob Shearer in 1981.
Kiwi hopes rest on the shoulders of Michael Hendry and Harry Bateman, who both sit four shots off the lead, and Kieran Muir, who is a further shot adrift.
South Korean teen Joohyung Kim has shown maturity beyond his 17 years as he battled against increasing winds and a challenging The Hills layout to reclaim the lead of the 101st New Zealand Open.
