Hastings Golf Club to host of New Zealand PGA Championship

The New Zealand PGA Championship returns to the Hastings Golf Club next year after an absence of 75 years.

The Wallace Development New Zealand PGA Championship will be staged from March 7-10, featuring on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour with a $100,000 prize purse. Wallace Development remains the naming rights partner, continuing its support of the event formerly known as the Hastings Open.

Following the 2024 championship, all parties will collaborate on the future stagings of the prestigious event returning to the PGA Tour of Australasia.

Hastings Golf Club last hosted the championship in 1949 when the format was matchplay, which Bob Glading won. The format became strokeplay in 1965.

Hastings Golf Club general manager, Michelle Campbell said the club was excited to host the event.

“Our team at Hastings Golf Club feel very privileged and look forward to hosting the New Zealand PGA Championship at Bridge Pa,’’ Campbell said.

``It’s been a long time since this prestigious event has been held at Hastings, and next year will be a great opportunity to showcase our golf club and region.”

Jonathan Wallace, the managing director of Wallace Development, echoed Campbell’s sentiments.

“Wallace Development Company Limited is a proud Hawke’s Bay company, and we’re delighted to contribute towards an event that will bring people to the region and attract attention from golf fans nationally,” Wallace said.

Club president Wayne Mudgway also endorsed the feeling of enthusiasm for the event.

“This is the icing on the cake after coming off such a successful 125-year celebration of the club in 2023 and we look forward to getting next year off to an exciting start,” Mudgway said.

Golf New Zealand and the PGA of New Zealand have worked hard to ensure the tournament will be able to be staged next year and will work towards elevating the tournament back to an Australasian Tour event.

PGA of New Zealand chairman Phil Ellison said he was happy to have such a prestigious tournament on the calendar again.

“We are very pleased to have such a prestigious tournament on the calendar again and extend our thanks to Hastings Golf Club and Wallace Development for their support in which we sure will be a fantastic spectacle in the Hawkes Bay.