New Zealand Women's Open launched
from January 30 to February 1

PRESS RELEASE
The first New Zealand Women’s Open golf championship will be staged in January, it was announced today by New Zealand Golf.
The inaugural New Zealand Women’s Open will be held at Clearwater Resort, Christchurch from January 30 to February 1.
New Zealand Golf said the organistion is thrilled to be able to establish a national women’s championship which has been keenly sought for several years. It will prove a catalyst to raise the profile of the game for women and provide aspirational opportunities for young New Zealand golfing talent.
New Zealand Golf CEO Bill MacGowan said the organisation was especially pleased to be in a position to launch the championship despite the challenging economic climate. A key to the establishment of the NZ Women's Open has come from funds set aside from a trust fund by Women's Golf New Zealand before it amalgamated with New Zealand Golf Association.
The New Zealand Women’s Open will carry a prize purse of $150,000 and form part of the Australian Ladies Professional Golf Tour (ALPG) – a four-tournament swing Down Under that includes the LG Bing Lee Women’s NSW Open, the Women’s Australian Open and the ANZ Ladies Masters - and as such will offer points for the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
“The addition of the inaugural NZ Women’s Open to the ALPG Tour schedule is one of the most significant achievements in the history of our organisation,” said Warren Sevil, CEO of the ALPG.
“Our membership, which encompasses both Australian and New Zealand golfers, is very grateful to New Zealand Golf for their commitment to undertaking this historic event.
“There is no doubt the profile of women’s golf in New Zealand will benefit as a result and I am very confident the tournament will attract players from the Australian, European and US Tours, many of whom will be visiting New Zealand for the first time.”
Christchurch continues to cement its position as a proven venue for international golf, with the city now hosting the HSBC NZ PGA Championship, a Charles Tour event and now the New Zealand Women’s Open.
“The Christchurch City Council will support the event with sponsorship,” said Mayor Bob Parker. “Christchurch sees itself as a major events city and we’re absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to be involved with this new event.”
Mr MacGowan said his organisation believes Christchurch has the infrastructure to host two professional events at the proven Clearwater venue, with the Women’s Open sure to attract plenty of interest from females.
“Christchurch City and Clearwater Resort have put up their hands to support this event which is a fundamental reason why it is here. They are confident and so are we of putting on a great event.”
New Zealand Golf has appointed Tuohy Associates to promote and manage the event.“We know from our experience with the ANZ Ladies Masters in Australia that women’s golf offers a completely different and exciting opportunity not only for golfers and women, but also unique opportunities for the commercial world,” and said Bob Tuohy, Chairman of Tuohy Associates.
“We are sure this can build into a very successful event and a wonderful chance for women to celebrate the game, to raise the profile of golf and for those companies who are involved in the women’s market to utilise the game and the occasion to reach their audience.”
For further details log on to www.nzgolf.org.nz