By Neville Idour

The 100th New Zealand Open last year was a huge success, but according to tournament chairman John Hart we can expect this month’s tournament to go one better.

The open, from February 27-March 1, will be hosted by the Millbrook Resort and The Hills courses in Otago for the first two rounds and will be at Millbrook for the last two rounds.

Hart said: “There are several reasons why I believe we will see a step up this year.

“The involvement of Sky Sport as presenting sponsor, is huge financially and for the exposure globally we will receive.

“The field this year will be the strongest since the event was first held at The Hills. There will be an extremely strong contingent from both the Asian and Japan Tours with many 2019 winners in the field. 

“Plus the amateur ambassadors will have a strong presence with maybe a surprise or two.

“Also the free entry should give people extra incentive to enjoy the world class golf. Another new inclusion is a former champions dinner on the Monday of Open week for those who can attend. It will be nice to give these champions special recognition.”

The other significant move that will add much mana to the tournament is the inclusion of the 54-hole All Abilities New Zealand Open with an international field of 32. 

These players will be a wonderful watch. Their talent can be quite breathtaking. 

I remember playing with a man at Terrace Downs many years ago with one arm. He regularly pounded the ball 200 metres plus with amazing control.

For those people looking to make a week of it, the celebrity cricket match on the preceding Sunday at the picturesque Millbrook cricket ground is a must. It will feature New Zealand and Australian cricket greats plus golfing talents and local youth cricketers.

Golfing ambassadors in the pro-am will include many household names including Stephen Fleming and Shane Warne. They are looking forward to teaming it up with Ryan Fox, Jeff Wilson, Ian Botham, Beauden Barrett and Israel Dagg. 

A big name from the United States is National Football League legend Larry Fitzgerald who is sure to be a must watch as he is a more than useful golfer having won the Pebble Beach pro-am with Kevin Streelman by seven shots.

As an aside and indicator of the attraction this year, this is the first time the volunteer numbers have been filled two months in advance with many extras keen to help.

So to the open field and the prospects.

Tournament director Michael Glading, who hunts the talent in Asia and Japan, is extremely pleased with the golfers he has been able to secure.

“The Japanese field is the strongest we have ever had,’’ Glading said. 

“There are some new young ones who are very exciting. Overall there are nine winners from their 2019 season. Muto, Ichihara, Tokimatsu, Won Joon Lee and Horikawa are all returning. All were in the top 12 of the 2019 New Zealand Open.

“Korean players K J Choi, Charlie Wi and Bo Kim, all US PGA Tour players, will be here.” 

Choi, 48, an eight-time PGA Tour winner, has had some good efforts on the tour this year and was very keen to return after enjoying the courses so much last year. 

Glading adds: “From Asia we have secured many good players, including seven or eight recent Asian Tour winners.”

Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who is coming for the third time, says: “Queenstown is my favourite place on the tour to play.”

Joohyung (Tom) Kim is only 19 and is the real deal and Ajeetesh Sandhu, who finished 23rd last year, is returning after an excellent year in Asia. Multiple winner Indian legend Shiv Kapur could also feature.

As always the Australian presence will be huge as they have dominated the winners’ circle this century.

Defending champion Zach Murray is a top chance after some compelling early season form. 

Hong Kong Open winner Wade Ormsby and former winners Matthew Griffin and Jordan Zunic, a fan of the Arrowtown courses, are also in the field along with many other Australians with the ability to win.

What about the New Zealand challenge? Michael Hendry was our last winner and there is no reason he cannot repeat that feat. His second to Adam Scott at the Australian PGA in December was thrilling right to the final hole, when he could have forced a playoff.

Winner of The Hills pro-am Mark Brown, has often been in the mix and has finished second twice. He is happy with his form as he moves into this retirement year.

James Anstiss, from Queenstown, knows the Millbrook and Hills layouts well. He was in fine form finishing second with another threat Nick Voke, in the Hills pro-am. 

Of course the big hitting Ryan Fox is our highest ranked player but the Arrowtown courses are not easy to overpower. 

The return of Michael Campbell is a welcome one and after unluckily missing the cut last year don’t be surprised if he is on the leaderboard on the Sunday. 

Steve Alker is returning and he also has past form at this event. Josh Geary, who finished second last year, has the ability to shoot really low.

Another New Zealand player worth a look is fledgling pro (one year) Denzel Ieremia who displayed remarkable form with top 10s at Australia’s Open and PGA in December.