Women’s Open Confirmed

Wellington golfer Sarah Nicholson and Aucklander Liz McKinnon will be two of 20 New Zealand and Australian players in a total field of 144 to appear at the inaugural New Zealand Women’s Open staged at Clearwater Resort in Christchurch from January 30 to February 1 next year. The $150,000 54-hole tournament joins the New South Wales Open, the Australian Women’s Open and the Ladies Masters on the ALPG’s calendar, and as such will offer points for the women’s world golf rankings. The Open will be the first professional tournament for women in New Zealand since 1975. “To see top golf you’re going to have to come to the South Island,” said New Zealand Golf chief executive Bill MacGowan. “I think it’s pretty good news for the sport and also for women’s golf.”