The organisers at Queenstown Golf Cub are hoping for good weather, although the recently refurbished course would stand up to most conditions, Queenstown Golf Club tournament spokesman Simon Boland said.
In only its third year, the strokeplay tournament is attracting the attention of talent from around the South, such as Ben Gallie (Millbrook), Mark Brooks (Queenstown), Craig Palmer (Queenstown), Cody Harper (Invercargill) and Sean Roach, captain of the Otago men's amateur golf team.
Mr Boland said many of these players would use the Queenstown tournament as a warm-up for the SBS Bank Invitational in Invercargill and also for the Michael Hill New Zealand Open qualifying rounds to be held in Christchurch the following week.
Last year's winner, Jim Lapsley, is out of the country and will therefore not defend his title.
"The course record of 69, which Jim set last year, is in real danger of being broken," Mr Boland said.
The number of professionals entered would "raise the bar" this year, but they could face some tough competition from young amateur players looking to prove themselves.
The tournament will also be an opportunity for club players and visitors to play alongside each other.
"Amateur players will have an opportunity to play 36 holes in reasonably tough conditions against guys who they can look at as mentors."
This opportunity had been reflected in the number of Queenstown club members - including Rod McDonald of sponsors Rod McDonald Painters - who have supported the tournament and entered.
"The tournament is still growing but this year we have 60 entries and we will probably get a few more over the next few days."
Mr Boland encouraged golf fans to come and watch.
Play begins at 7.45am on the Kelvin Heights golf course.
