Golf: Club golfer to get spot at NZ Open

Business entrepreneur Sir Michael Hill is giving local golfers in Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell and Kingston the chance to win a coveted spot to play with a pro in the BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is thanks to the generosity of the Arrowtown-based jewellery magnate and his family business.

Golf clubs in Arrowtown, Queenstown (Kelvin Heights), Wanaka, Cromwell and Kingston will each hold a special qualifying day before February 14 2016.

Everyone who enters at each of the five courses on its designated day - male or female -
- will go into a draw to win a legendary golf experience at the Open, with a value that's almost incalculable.

Each club decides who plays - although the winner must have a registered maximum handicap with New Zealand Golf of no more than 18 and an overall club winner will be drawn from all participants who score 30 stablefords or more.

The top five local winners will then take part in an exciting "chip off" at The Hills golf club on Sunday February 21 to decide who wins the ultimate prize, including a minimum of two days' play at The Hills and Millbrook courses alongside a professional.

A Hill family member will be at The Hills on the day to officially hand over the coveted spot, enabling the winner to enjoy the experience of playing inside the ropes in the biggest and most prestigious golf tournament held in New Zealand.

The four remaining golf club winners will each receive stunning Michael Hill watches.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for local golf clubs to encourage their members to participate in a New Zealand Open challenge and entry to each of the golf club events is free," said The Hills head coach Allan McKay.

"It's an experience local golfers' can only dream of, to play in our national open, watched by thousands, alongside masters of the game.

"I'm sure there will be more than a little tension in the air when the top five players meet at The Hills for the "chip off". It could be anyone's spot to take."

Sir Michael is "thrilled and delighted" to give the spot to a deserving local golfer, valuing the support and recognition he's received from clubs in the region over the years.