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.
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.
Golf Digest’s inaugural ranking of the best courses across the ditch shines the spotlight on New Zealand’s international classics as well as its time-honoured gems.
You wouldn’t ever want to compare a US Open winner with a Saturday hacker, but it will be a nervous Michael Campbell who lines up in his first competitive round in six years on the opening day of the 100th New Zealand Open in Queenstown on Thursday.
A flawless nine-under-par 62 propelled Australian Daniel Nisbet to a two-stroke triumph in the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort near Queenstown.