PGA Championship follows NZ Open with Red Light

Following the cancellation of the 102nd New Zealand Open, the organisers of the New Zealand PGA Championship have announced that this year’s event will also be postponed until 2023.

With the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, it's become increasingly difficult to organise sporting events. Andrew Clements, PGA of New Zealand Chairman, says it’s a disappointing outcome.

“As with the Open, border restrictions for overseas players and ongoing uncertainties around Covid settings make it impossible for us to stage an Australasian Tour event at this point in time,” he says.

“We looked at the possibility at running a purely local tournament along the lines of the highly successful 2021 PGA Championship at Te Puke, but replicating this is not feasible under a red light setting.

“We are of course extremely disappointed we are not able to bring the PGA Championship and its 102-year heritage, to Auckland and Gulf Harbour Country Club, especially given the support pledged by Auckland Unlimited and Gulf Harbour,” Clements said.

Clements also endorsed the comments of Golf New Zealand chief executive Dean Murphy on playing opportunities for local professionals and elite amateurs.

“The last two years have been incredibly challenging for organisers and players alike” he said, “and we will continue to work closely with host clubs and Golf New Zealand to maintain as many PGA Pro-Ams and Jennian Homes Charles Tour events as possible”.

The tournament has been rescheduled for February next year, with preliminary dates set at February 24th to 27th, 2023