Queenstown tees off for a summer of golf

Queenstown’s world-class greens are groomed and geared up for a summer of golf which for the second time will include the region hosting the NZ PGA Championship.

From February 28 to March 3, the NZ PGA Championship will see some of the world’s top golfers, including World Number 1 women’s amateur golfer Lydia Ko, take to the fairways with well known celebrities such as cricket icon Sir Ian Botham at Sir Michael Hill’s golf course ‘The Hills’.

A strong professional field is already building with 2012 champion Michael Hendry and runner-up Mark Brown confirmed along with US golfing legend Hale Irwin and highly ranked player Brendan Jones.

The NZ PGA will also host a concert featuring rising Kiwi star Jamie McDell at ‘The 19th’, a hub designed to showcase the best in Central Otago food, wine and entertainment.  The four-day event is also an opportunity to see Sir Michael's sculpture park which features a stunning and diverse range of works, including a new installation ‘The Wolves Are Coming’.

Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd says Queenstown has cemented its position as an international golf destination thanks to world-class facilities, multi award-winning courses with stunning lake and mountain views, a diverse range of golfing and non-golfing options, and easy access.

“Queenstown is a popular choice for those looking for a golfing holiday or a business hosting opportunity,” Mr Budd says.

“Six courses, all located within a 25-minute drive of the town centre, provide options for discerning amateurs who want to experience the best national courses, corporate groups looking to do team-building or hosting, and beginners or families keen to upskill with a professional instructor.

“Add to that the rest of Queenstown’s offerings and you can feasibly play golf in the morning and still have time for an adrenaline fix, winery visit, walk or bike ride, or spa before dinner.”

Queenstown is home to three championship courses - The Hills, Millbrook Resort and Jack’s Point - as well as a stunning 18 hole par 72 course on Kelvin Heights Peninsula, Arrowtown golf course which is considered one of New Zealand’s finest country courses, and a driving range and family-friendly nine-hole golf course in Frankton.

Local golf operators are constantly developing new services and tailored packages to suit golfers of all abilities. Customised sightseeing and activity programmes are also available for non-golfing partners. 

For more information about Queenstown and its golf offering visit www.queenstownnz.co.nz/information/golf-queenstown/

Supplied