Call goes out for volunteers at NZ PGA Championship

Media Release: For immediate use, Monday November 5 2012

Call goes out for volunteers at NZ PGA Championship in Queenstown

The call has gone out for volunteers to come forward and be part of the NZ PGA Championship to be held at The Hills in Queenstown next year (February 28 – March 3 2013).

The high profile event has grown significantly following this year’s inaugural event, and will see 132 professional players from around the world compete for a prize pool of $600,000.

The growth in size has prompted the need for up to 400 volunteers for next year’s event. Last year volunteers came from as far away as Auckland, Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin and Ashburton as well as Queenstown to take part.

Now in its second year, the championship has cemented itself firmly on the Queenstown summer events calendar and with new dates is well positioned to draw crowds from far and wide.

“We’re delighted to be back again with what is now recognised as a significant event for New Zealand,” said NZPGA Tournament Director Michael Glading.

“With amateurs and celebrities playing alongside some of the world’s top pros in an incredible setting, this promises to be a spectacular showcase Central Otago summer event.”

Event organisers have already announced defending Kiwi champion Michael Hendry and Australian Brendan Jones in the line up with further professional, amateur and celebrity players to be announced over the coming months.

The 2013 event coincides with the English cricket team’s four day match in Queenstown against a New Zealand XI team, meaning the celebrity golf line up will feature cricket legend Sir Ian Botham playing in the Pro Am.

This year’s event will see further emphasis placed on entertainment with a concert at The Hills planned for the Saturday evening.

All of this will require the work of an army of volunteers to carry out roles such as carrying scorecards, marshaling on course, ‘ball spotting’, overseeing the leader board, inputting data in the media centre or working as a shuttle driver.

Keen golfer Sue McFarlane is once again organising the volunteer brigade for this years’ event, and said she had already received enquiry emails from people volunteered at the first event or who missed out on places.

“It’s a great fun experience for anyone thinking about volunteering, in an absolutely beautiful location,” she said.

“Because the event has grown we’ll need around 350 to 400 volunteers which is considerably more than this year, so I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to get in touch.

“It’s a great chance to get together a group of friends for a trip to Queenstown, and there’s also the opportunity for golf clubs or groups to ‘take charge’ of a hole for the duration of the tournament.”

Volunteers are asked for a minimum commitment of six hours on any given day, and in return will benefit from free tournament admission and parking, a commemorative shirt and cap, lunch each day and a special ‘thank you barbeque’ on the final night.

Those who volunteer for all four days will receive all of the above plus a complimentary round of golf at the prestigious The Hills course.

“An interest in or knowledge of golf is helpful, but not actually essential to all roles,” said Mrs McFarlane.

“As well as people on the course we’re looking for people to do things like drive courtesy cars, and these roles would be ideally suited to Queenstown locals who know the area.”

Prospective volunteers can sign up now with information available on www.pgachampionship.co.nz.

www.nzpga.co.nz



Background Information

The Tournament Format: NZ PGA Championship
Up to 144 Professionals will tee up on Thursday February 28th, 2013 with the top 68 professionals making the cut on the Friday progressing through to the weekend to play for the NZ PGA Championship.
A field of 68 Amateurs (friends, sponsors, celebrities) will play a seeding tournament on Friday 1st March at Millbrook. Following this each amateur will be placed with a professional and that pair will play as a two-ball, best-ball team on the Saturday and Sunday for the NZ PGA Championship pro-am title.

The Course: The Hills
In its stunning amphitheatre encircled by the Remarkables Mountains, with 180 degree views taking in Coronet Peak and the Crown Range, The Hills has the x-factor as a tournament golf course.
Designed by Darby Partners, the course was initially Michael Hill’s own private golf course. Set over 500 acres of former deer farm land close to Arrowtown, Central Otago, it is home to an incredible array of flora including native brown top grasses and wild native mountain tussocks.

Another unique element of the course is a significant sculpture park that links outdoor art pieces into the course design, creating a magical playing environment.
The Hills is proud to have hosted three consecutive New Zealand Open Championships since opening in 2007 and is now the home of the NZ PGA Championship.

The Location: Queenstown
With mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, shimmering lakes and crisp alpine air, Queenstown is quite simply a place of pure inspiration. It’s also a golf lover paradise.
With six stunning golf courses all within 25 minutes’ drive of the town centre, Queenstown is fast gaining a reputation as an internationally renowned golf destination. Choices range from the immaculately groomed greens of resort courses to breathtaking fairways with rugged mountain peaks as a backdrop.

Golf facilities are world-class and there’s plenty of variety between The Hills, Millbrook Resort, Jack’s Point, Arrowtown Golf Club, Queenstown Golf Club at Kelvin Heights, and the Frankton Driving Range and Golf Course.

A range of different courses means no two rounds need be the same and a week-long trip can be both technically challenging and fun. Tailored tours and packages cater for the solo golfer right through to larger groups. Every style and level of golfer will be well looked after.

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