Michael Hill Open Takes Centre Stage At The Hills

Michael Hill New Zealand Open Takes Centre Stage At The Hills

March 10 2009: The Michael Hill New Zealand Open is being staged at The Hills private golf course near Arrowtown this week (March 12-15), and owner Michael Hill who is upbeat about hosting the prestigious tournament for the second time, will mark the start of the event as the first player to tee off in the Pro-Am tomorrow March 11).

Michael Hill Watches is again the naming sponsor for the event after and Mr Hill, who is chairman of the company, says they are excited about being involved again.

“It was a highly successful tournament in 2007 and we expect the same, if not a better result this year, with pre-sales of tickets looking good and an excellent field competing.”

“Our company is keen to promote New Zealand internationally and the exposure from television and other media coverage will highlight New Zealand’s spectacular attributes and encourage tourism. At the same time it will help us increase awareness globally of the Michael Hill brand which now has stores in USA and Canada as well as Australia and New Zealand.”

Mr Hill says their sponsorship is also encouraging the growth of golf, as well as tourism, in the Queenstown and Arrowtown region.

He thanked the other sponsors who have come on board with the New Zealand Open.

“Many have remained committed from 2007 and it is significant that this support is in place from the corporate sector to enable a quality event to be held.”

He says The Hills has an excellent team in place to help spearhead the world class tournament in association with NZ Golf and Tuohy Associates NZ.

“The greenkeeping staff has been dedicated to ensuring the course is up with the best in the world which is my goal for The Hills while the clubhouse team will be running a slick operation throughout the Open.”

The clubhouse will feature a range of events for members and guests during the week, including a night to celebrate golf in New Zealand, and in particular the achievements of legendary left hander Sir Bob Charles, on Saturday March 14.

“Sir Bob is the guru and Saturday, by coincidence, is his 73rd birthday,” says Mr Hill. “In 2007 we presented him with a membership to The Hills because he is a superstar and we, along with other invited players and officials want to recognise the contribution he has made again this year.”

Mr Hill is disappointed Michael Campbell has had to withdraw from the tournament due to injury as it is the first New Zealand Open he has missed since he was an amateur.

“However it will be exciting to see 18-year-old Danny Lee playing after his recent success winning the Johnny Walker Classic in Perth. It will be the last opportunity for New Zealanders to see him in action before he turns professional. Along with Sir Bob Charles these two players will undoubtedly attract big galleries.

ends

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