"We’ll never take it away from Millbrook. Millbrook will always be the hub of the tournament," tournament chairman John Hart said.
But a multi-course model, which has long been Hart’s desire, seems to be on the cards sooner rather than later.
The tournament was previously held across Millbrook and The Hills, but has solely been at Millbrook for the past few years.
There were benefits to hosting the Open across several courses — including bigger fields, later tee times and earlier finishes for golfers — but that came with strategic and financial issues.
But if things behind the scenes moved in the right direction, the tournament could be played across three courses as early as 2026 or 2027, Hart said.
He said the tournament was lucky to have a good relationship with nearby courses, The Hills, Jack’s Point and Hogan Gully, which is now behind built in Arrowtown.
"We’ve effectively got four world-class golf courses wanting to be part of it.
"Ultimately, I see a day where this tournament would be Millbrook, The Hills, Hogans Gully — you imagine that.
"Three very good courses, all different, within a mile of each other. That would be something."
However, construction at Hogans Gully and The Hills ruled them out in the short term.
"An option to consider is Jack’s Point in the interim of moving to a three-course model."
The tournament was in good heart and he was pleased with the response from adjoining tours, Hart said.
"They’re saying it’s the best tournament in their tours, which is fantastic for us to hear their players feel that way.
"Our partnerships with the Japan Tour, the Asian Tour, the Korean Tour and the Australian Tour are also good and so positive that I think our vision of growing the greatest experience in Asia-Pacific is really something that’s achievable.
"We are conscious that we have to stay within a level that there’s no point in us trying to be the biggest — we want to be the best."
The Open’s schedule lined up for more LIV golfers to return this year.
Queenstown LIV golfer Ben Campbell wanted to return with his Ranger Goats team members and Australian Lucas Herbert indicated he would return every year if it aligned with the LIV schedule.
"I think those guys will start to attract the other LIV players and that would be a good way for us," Hart said.
"A position we’ve taken right from the start ... I’ve never wavered, and I’m not going to, is we’re not going to pay appearance fees.
"We’re not interested in trying to attract the top pros by money.
"We’re trying to attract them by the experience we can offer, and what Queenstown has to offer and how much they would enjoy it here."
Golf New Zealand chief executive Jeff Latch called the tournament "outstanding" and praised the job Hart, and the team at Millbrook Tournaments, the organisation running the Open on behalf of Golf New Zealand, did.
"We’re delighted with the event," Latch said.
"If you think how the event has grown over the last 12 years, it’s just huge.”
