New Zealand Open field set to thrill

By Neville Idour

The 102nd New Zealand Open, presented by Sky Sport, is one of the most wide open fields for many years.

Set to thrill spectators at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown from March 2-5, picking a winner is like a shot in the dark. The field is packed with former winners, close contenders, experienced tour players and up and coming young guns.

Possibly headlining the field is fivetime PGA Tour Champions’ star, New Zealand’s Steve Alker, who would dearly love to add the New Zealand Open to his record.

He has a fitness programme which sees him in top shape and feeling great about his game.

“All my stats are very good, but they need to be if I am going to win,’’ Alker said.

“I feel I am a more complete and consistent player than I was in my younger days on tour.”

One setback was the death from cancer on February 6 of his caddie and close friend of the last four years Sam Workman. Alker’s wife Tanya will caddie for him at Millbrook.

Former winner in 2017, Kiwi Michael Hendry, is in with a strong challenge after his recent decisive four shot win at the Victorian Open.

“It was great to get across the line again and just nice to be feeling fit and proving to myself that I’ve still got it. The New Zealand Open is my favourite event.”

Several other Kiwis will be looking to contend on the final day. Daniel Hillier, after earning his place on the DP World Tour, will be keen to impress while Josh Geary continues to show the form needed to contend after some solid efforts in Australia.

Queenstowner Ben Campbell is fit again and will look to go one better than his runner-up to Hendry in 2017. James Anstiss also has the local knowledge to surprise, as does Nick Voke the winner of The Hills Pro-Am in December. Denzel Ieremia’s and Luke Toomey’s games should be sharp after their stints in Australia while it will be nice to see popular, experienced left hander Gareth Paddison in action again. A long shot who could feature is Gulf Harbour professional Dongwoo Kang who is regularly on the leaderboard on the Charles Tour.

As usual the Australian prescence and challenge will be strong. Dimi Papadatos is looking to capitalise on memories of his win in 2014 while Rhein Gibson is looking forward to his return to Queenstown after his recent win on the Korn Ferry Tour in the United States. Zach Murray is eyeing a repeat of his 2019 win while 2015 champion Jordan Zunic is likewise looking to repeat his winning shot to the 18th green at The Hills. The experienced Scott Strange is another with a shot at glory while 2018 winner Daniel Nisbet will also fancy his chances.

Born in South Africa, but raised in Western Australia, Jason Scrivener will be one to watch. After a hugely successful amateur career he turned professional in 2010 and played various tours before his first win at the New South Wales Open in 2017. He has played well on the DP World Tour and is currently 17th ranked.

Vastly experienced Scott Hend loves coming to the New Zealand Open. A professional since 1997, he has played the PGA and DP World Tours and currently is on the Asian Tour. David Micheluzzi, another recent winner could well be in the mix. It would be remiss not to mention defending two-time champion Brad Kennedy who is keen for a third title.

From the United States, Turk Pettit the 2021 National Athletics’ Association Champion, could impress while the name of 29-year-old Davis Love IV, the son of Davis Love III, is an intriguing entry. Turned professional in 2017, he has made three cuts in 19 events on the PGA Tour for meagre returns. He managed to gain his Asian Tour card in January and is looking for better things.

Tournament director Michael Glading is enthusiastic about the many young guns in the field.

“In recent years the New Zealand Open has featured some of the best rising stars from around the world including Tom Kim, Sungjae Im, Cameron Davis, Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert,’’ Glading said.

“In 2020 I predicted big things for Tom Kim who led for three rounds as a 17-year-old. This year spectators should watch Riki Kawamoto. Only 21, he was the longest hitter on the Japan Tour last year.

“Japan’s Mikumu Horikawa returns for the fifth time. A star in Japan he has won four times. Also watch out for Yuto Katsuragawa who ranks 141st after a fine 2022.”

Todd Baek, a Korean who plays on the Japan Tour where he ranks 30th, spent many of his young years in New Zealand and is hoping that connection will give him the winning edge.

As for the amateur ambassadors the lineup will attract interest although sadly the much loved name missing is Shane Warne whose untimely death left a big hole in the sporting world. Brendon McCullum, on a nine handicap, is sure to excite. Hockey’s Ella Gunson, on a six, hits a long ball. Many regulars are back singing the praises of the New Zealand Open format. Israel Dagg, Jeff Wilson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Sir Ian Botham, Stephen Fleming and newcomer World Rally driver Hayden Paddon will add their own flavour to the event.

Millbrook will also celebrate it’s 30th anniversary with a sensational hole in one prize. Any professional or amateur who cards a hole in one on the Remarkables 18th hole during the first two days or on the Coronet course in the final two rounds will win a week’s holiday at Millbrook for the next 30 years.

Millbrook Resort director of operations Brian Howie said the anniversary was a “major milestone for the resort.” The prize is five nights bed and breakfast for two people for a 30 year consecutive period, two 18-hole rounds with cart and a $1000 resort credit which expires at the end of the accommodation booking each year. Should more than one player make a hole in one, the prize will be shared equally between all players who will take turns to claim their weeks at the resort.

Tournament chairman John Hart said: “I’m sure the watching galleries will be cheering on their favourites as they approach the 18th each day, and there is nothing like a prize of this magnitude to raise the stakes and increase the nerves.

Let the show begin. Spectators roll up, as admission is free for all four days.