Yesterday, the eve of the 2017 tournament, Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges and Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman announced a total of $5.5 million in funding to New Zealand Golf.
Through the Major Events Development Fund, $2.8 million over three years - just over $930,000 per annum - would go to the NZ Golf Open, and $2.7 million would support the New Zealand Women's Open.
''These tournaments bring top-ranked international golfers to New Zealand, creating an opportunity to showcase our country to a global audience, including key tourism markets such as the [United States], China, Japan and Australia,'' Mr Bridges said.
Estimates showed more than 61,000 international visitors played golf in New Zealand last year and contributed about $329 million to the country's economy.
Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay said golf was an important part of Queenstown's tourism proposition and events like the NZ Golf Open promoted the district to an international audience and delivered ongoing economic benefits.
''Coverage of the tournament showcases Queenstown and the Clutha-Southland electorate to a global audience and reinforces our reputation as a world-class destination.''
This year's tournament, which begins at Millbrook Resort and The Hills, near Arrowtown, today, will be broadcast live on the Asian Tour's global television platform to a potential 750 million homes throughout Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and North America and, for the first time, on the US Golf Channel.
In New Zealand, it will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 2pm daily from today until Sunday.
The 93rd New Zealand Open is a $1 million tier one event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour.
