Duncan is among the field for the inaugural New Zealand Women's Open to be played at the Clearwater course in Christchurch from January 30 to February 1.
"It's pretty exciting," Duncan told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"I'd like to think it will be huge, not only for women but for men. A lot of the guys can relate to how far the girls hit the ball but they can't really relate to guys who drive it 320m.
"I think it will be great for the women's game because women can watch top women play, and get a really good appreciation of how good they are, and also because men can get that understanding."
Duncan said there had been previous attempts at establishing a women's Open but it had always been too difficult to find sponsorship.
Even this tournament has not been able to attract a major sponsor.
It has used funds set aside for the promotion of women's golf following the merger of the national men's and women's bodies.
Duncan has a distinguished playing record but in recent years has been crafting a reputation as a coach.
She is the Southern Golf Academy coach and the head professional at the Otago Golf Club, and last month she coached the New Zealand side to victory at the Aaron Baddeley International junior tournament in China.
Duncan was a touring professional in the United States from 1998 to 2000, and in 1999 she became one of the few New Zealand women to play in a US Open.
She carded 77 and 74 in sweltering conditions at the Old Waverley Course in Mississippi and missed the cut.
"I scared myself the other day. I was walking down a hall and saw the little trophy I got for playing in the Open.
"I saw the date on it and realised it was 10 years.
"It still gives me shivers when I think about it."
Duncan is still a member of the New Zealand PGA and the Australian Ladies PGA, so she received automatic entry for the New Zealand Open.
She guessed it had been about six years since she last played in a top tournament, though that was not bothering her.
"My attitude is totally different. I'm going up there to enjoy the experience and catch up with people I haven't seen in a long time.
"I've probably played more golf in the last month than I've played in the last two years. I've been practising every day and playing two or three times a week.
"I don't want to go up there and embarrass myself. My form is not bad. I'm scoring OK but then I know Balmacewen like the back of my hand.
"When I get to another course it might be a different story."
Duncan said the New Zealand Open had attracted an excellent field, despite a relatively small purse.
The biggest name is former world No 1 Laura Davies, while leading European Gwladys Nocera and LPGA winner Katherine Hull are also in the field.
