New Zealand Open Challenge Week: 101 clubs signed up

A total of 101 golf clubs from all over the country have signed up for the inaugural BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Challenge Week.
 
The challenge week starts today Monday November 30 and runs until Monday December 6 at golf clubs as part of their normal club day competition. All of the proceeds from the nationwide event will go to the tournament’s official charity The First Tee.
 
The BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Challenge Week enables golfers and clubs to be part of the National Open which will be staged from March 10 – 13 2016 at The Hills and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown.
 
The First Tee CEO Bill MacGowan said he was “thrilled” with the interest from golf clubs and their members.
 

The First Tee teaches kiwi kids invaluable life skills. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

“The response to the tournament’s Challenge Week has been fantastic, I’m delighted with the number of clubs supporting the National Open and its charity” said MacGowan.
 
MacGowan said clubs have embraced the Open Challenge Week concept, incorporating it into their own club activity, and using flexible dates to work in with their calendar.
 
“Their members have been excited about the opportunity to win not only two season passes to the New Zealand Open but also be in the running for a fantastic prize.”
 
The “Ultimate Queenstown Package” prize includes return flights for two to Queenstown with Air New Zealand, a two night stay at Doubletree by Hilton in Queenstown and tickets to attend the BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open with tournament merchandise.
 
The major prize will be drawn on Friday 18^th December.
 
Each participating golf club will receive two tickets to attend the championship and be in with the chance to win top fundraising prizes of “his and hers” Michael Hill watches.
 
“We hope all participants have a fantastic event and their members enjoy the addition to their golf day. Fingers crossed for great weather and even better golf,” said Mr MacGowan.
The First Tee runs two initiatives - the National Schools Programmes which exposes all children to the nine core values of responsibility, honesty, confidence, respect, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, judgement and sportsmanship.
 
Students learn the values through fun golf exercises that help them also grasp the fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching and the full swing.