NZ, world sport stars on the tee at Millbrook

A host of Kiwi and international sporting legends will tee it up at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown next month.

Black Caps greats Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum, former All Blacks Sean Fitzpatrick, Jeff Wilson and Israel Dagg, rally car driver Hayden Paddon and former Black Stick Ella Gunson have been confirmed to play in the New Zealand Open Pro-Am event alongside the professionals.

Ex-England cricket captain Sir Ian Botham and NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald will also be on the greens.

The sports stars will act as ambassadors for the tournament, which returns after a two-year break.

Former Black Caps captain Fleming said he was looking forward to the event.

“What other national sporting event lets amateur players, like me, play alongside professional sportsmen who are competing for a national title and a huge prize purse?

“The New Zealand Open isn’t just a golf tournament, it’s an opportunity to showcase our beautiful country to the world.

“While I would love to win the proam event, our job as ambassadors is to cross codes and use the event as a vehicle to drive eyes on Queenstown and New Zealand.”

Gunson, the 232-cap Black Stick who works as a police constable, plays off a 6.6 handicap and is excited to test her skills at the event.

“I’m really looking forward to the tournament. I’ve seen the event on TV and have always wanted to experience what it’s like playing alongside a professional in a major event like this,” she said.

“It’s away from the hockey turf, so it’s a bit out of my comfort zone, so I imagine that first tee shot will be a bit nervy, but I’m really excited.”

Former Black Caps captain and current England test coach McCullum said: “The New Zealand Open is an amazing week, and one I love being part of.

“I can’t wait to be back at Millbrook and taking on the new course.

“We had a sneak peek at the new holes back in 2020 and it looked spectacular, and I’ve been waiting for a chance to play it ever since.”

New Zealand golf stars Steven Alker and Daniel Hillier are among the professionals confirmed for the event.

The 102nd New Zealand Open is on March 2-5 at Millbrook Resort at Arrowtown.