Golfing in Central Otago

The Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic is set to be held from 3rd -7th of April 2017. Entries have now closed.
Affectionately referred by Local Golfer’s as “Central” the founding philosophy from the five courses is to provide golfer’s from around the country and overseas five very different and exceptionally interesting eighteen hole golf courses at Alexandra, Arrowtown, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka Golf Clubs.
Played over five stunning, picturesque and unique golf courses. These golf courses are all unique and have evolved over many years being created out of the natural Central Otago landscape.
The combined years of existence of the Golf clubs total in excess of 500 years. It is no wonder with the Quality Golf course investment like Millbrook, The Hills, Jack’s Point and soon Parkin’s Bay decided that Central Otago is the best place in New Zealand to develop their magnificent golfing establishments. They are all within one hour of each other and provide a varied and interesting trip before and after your round of golf.
The event now in its sixth year has been a phenomenal success. “Our first classic in April 2012 attracted a field of 242 and from then on we have been thrilled with our ability to attract good fields, obviously from comments and reports made these golfers thoroughly enjoyed their week. Entries are now topping 500,” said Tournament Director John Roche.
“We closed off on 22nd December with our target of 400 having been reached. This gives us a field of 100 on four courses each day with each of the five participating golf clubs having a “lay-day” for use by its own members” he said.
Tournament Director John Roche explained the principles behind the event. “The Autumn Classic is not just another golf tournament but rather a true golfing classic for genuine club golfers. The organisers run the event and do all the work and planning. Players relax, enjoy the golf and the companionship of other like minded competitive golfers in an environment that has to be seen to believe; that is “central” in the Autumn!
Guidelines as to eligibility of players has been strictly enforced and for the 2016 Classic the maximum handicap that can enter is 36 for women and 32 for men. A true handicap must be based on 20 cards currently recorded on NZ Golf records.
Prizes in excess of $40,000 will be played for during the week, with daily and five round stableford competitions, plus gross section for senior golfers.
Daily divisions have maximum of 50 players with women in separate divisions to men and prizes are awarded one to every four players. The prizes awarded over total of five rounds are in handicap sections with again 50 players in each section. There are also Gross prizes over the five rounds with men and women in separate divisions.
Of great interest and possible the most popular section is the teams of four. Each day the best three stableford points of the four are taken as the teams total and at the conclusion of the fifth round the most stableford points are the winners. In three divisions, Women only, Mixed (two women and two men) and Men only.
However many golfers enter as a single and will be placed into a team by the organisers.
Karts and Push Trundlers are available at all five courses, selected accommodation specials at Queenstown is also available, buses will travel to golf courses and return to Queenstown every day if you so desire and tournament shirts can be ordered when entering.
Here’s a sample of over 200 messages received from previous happy attendees:
“Fabulous locations, courses well presented, friendly like minded people looking to have a great time together, very good value for the money!”
“Meeting new people in post card perfect settings.”
“The format and organisation was spectacular from beginning to end.”