The stakes for winning the upcoming New Zealand Open have gone up another level.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews confirmed yesterday the tournament winner — or leading non-exempt player — will gain entry to the Open Championship at Royal Portrush later this year.
New Zealand Open chairman John Hart was delighted the tournament was joining the Open qualifying series and hoped another Kiwi could be on the biggest stage.
"This certainly signals that our event has continued to grow in stature on the world stage and we are delighted that the R&A have opened the door for us to be a part of the Open qualifying series," Hart said.
"This has been one of the tournament goals for some time, and it’s great to see it now come to fruition."
"This will act as extra motivation for our Kiwi professionals to not only win the New Zealand Open but then to make their mark at Royal Portrush.
"We certainly hope that this is the year that sees another Kiwi winner.”
Sir Bob Charles, the only New Zealander to have won the British Open, commended the tournament on the decision.
"I’m very pleased that the R&A have recognised the growth that the New Zealand Open has achieved in recent years, and I have no doubt that the winner will cherish this opportunity to tee it up at Royal Portrush next year,” Charles said.
Golf New Zealand chief executive Jeff Latch called it a defining opportunity for golf in New Zealand.
"To have a direct pathway from Queenstown to the Open at Royal Portrush is huge — not just for the players, but for the prestige of the event itself," Latch said.
"It reinforces our place on the global stage and provides a dream opportunity for a rising star.”
In 2022, the New Zealand Open was set to offer British Open spots to the top three, but the tournament was cancelled due to Covid.
Four Kiwi men — Ryan Fox, Daniel Hillier, Michael Hendry and Kazuma Kobori — played in the British Open last year. — APL
