Media Release from Millbrook Resort

June 23 2009

Outstanding new head golf professional at Millbrook Resort

One of New Zealand’s most recognized and experienced golf professionals will become the new Head Golf Professional at Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort golf course.

For 37 years Allan McKay has lead the golf programmes at some of New Zealand’s most well known courses including Mount Maunganui, Paraparaumu Beach and Kelvin Heights and will take up his new position in September.

The appointment comes as Millbrook continues its ongoing multi-million dollar golf course renovation and construction, whereby three new interchangeable 9-hole courses will be completed over summer 2010 and spring 2011 -- the Coronet Nine and Remarkables Nine in February 2010 and Arrow Nine the following spring.

“I was very happy in the Kelvin Heights job and will be sorry to go, however the opportunity at Millbrook is wonderful,” said Mr McKay. “Millbrook has a highly-motivated management team which I cannot wait to be a part of, combined with a very healthy club membership.

“The job description is enormous and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Millbrook Director of Golf Brian Spicer said the resort was “delighted” to have someone of Allan’s experience and pedigree join the Millbrook golf team.

“He’ll be here to look after the interests of our members and clients to ensure their golf experience is first rate,” he said.
The first new four holes of the Coronet Nine opened for play in December 2008 which, combined with the refurbished holes one to 14 on the original Sir Bob Charles-designed course, has created a fantastic temporary hybrid 18-hole course.

“Millbrook’s development of its driving range and new 9-hole course is very exciting for the future of golf in the region, particularly at such a premier resort,” said Mr McKay.

“I was recently invited to play on the new course and the design is extraordinarily good. It unites golfers with the natural scenery, which has particular Scottish flavours about it, and is a true test for all handicaps.”

Mr McKay has been a professional golfer since 1969. “I think I’ve got good mileage to pass on in this new role,” he said.

Mr McKay was a board member of the NZPGA for six years and Chairman for a further six years in the 1980s, and was largely instrumental in bringing top golfer Tiger Woods to the NZ Open in July 2000.

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