But incumbent venue The Hills is not giving up the fight and still believes it presents a compelling case to New Zealand Golf for the Open to stay in Arrowtown.
Mike Godinet is the Christchurch-based sales and marketing manager for Tuohy Associates, the Australian company that promotes the tournament.
He has had a long association with the Clearwater Golf Club - understood to be primed to take the Open away from The Hills - and was a director of Clearwater Members Trustee Ltd until June 22.
But Godinet said there was no conflict of interest between his roles, and the timing of his resignation from Clearwater was "pure coincidence".
"My personal circumstances around available time and my inclination dictated the resignation," Godinet told the Otago Daily Times in an email.
"Since 2002, I have been a golf committee member, club captain, board member as well as interclub manager, and a club representative to Canterbury Golf meetings at times.
"More than enough for most, I think, so I decided to step back."
Godinet is a "self-employed sales and marketing contractor and I saw that I needed to devote more time to my business in these challenging times".
He said he tendered his resignation to the Clearwater board "well before" June 22, but that was the date of the annual meeting.
Asked what Clearwater had to offer if it was chosen as the Open venue, Godinet replied:"I think Clearwater is the best major tournament golf course in New Zealand."
Hills general manager Sam Gent was not aware Godinet had been a member of the Clearwater board.
She declined to comment on the issue or on Godinet's description of Clearwater, saying she preferred to focus on the benefits of the Open staying at The Hills rather than getting into a battle over which course was better.
"I don't want to get into that game. I'd rather keep things positive from our end.
"We still believe we have the best venue and the best event. And as a destination, I think more people would want to come to Queenstown than Christchurch."
Gent said concepts such as Main St, the party hole and the opening ceremony were all Hills initiatives.
The club wanted to "raise the bar again" and that was why it wanted more say in how the Open was run if it returned to Arrowtown.
Hills professional Craig Palmer thought The Hills, purely as a golf course, had the edge over Clearwater because of its spectator access and variation.
"They're very different courses, but I really like the fact The Hills has got the elevation factor, which brings so much variety to the holes.
"I think we've got a better mix of holes, and I think our five finishing holes are fantastic.
"And there is no doubt The Hills is much better for watching a tournament.
"Clearwater's a good course and it's held some major events.
"And it's interesting both courses were designed by the same guy, John Darby."
