Central Otago shines on NZ Open finals
16 Mar 2009
Kiwi golfers missed out on top placings in the Michael Hill New Zealand Open yesterday (15.03.09), but the dramatic local scenery of mountains, lake and tussock hills provided a breath-taking backdrop to the final rounds.
With Central Otago sunshine beaming down on The Hills golf course, just outside Arrowtown, American Alex Prugh proved unstoppable.
Prugh produced his best-ever round to collect his first career title in his second season on the Nationwide Tour circuit. The 24-year-old former Washington Collegiate star won US$108,000 from a total prize purse of US$600,000 ($1.1 million) purse.
Expectations high
As the day dawned brilliantly fine, local expectations were high for a Kiwi champion, but Prugh stole the show.
Alex Prugh finished with a 19-under total of 269, and a three-stroke victory. Fellow countrymen - Martin Piller (2) and Jim Herman (3) - completed an all-American sweep of the top three places.
New Zealand’s Josh Geary was one of six players who tied for fourth. The group also included Australian veterans Peter Senior and Craig Parry, and American Jeff Gove.
New Zealand veteran Bob Charles, who missed the cut, took part in the trophy presentations a day after his 73rd birthday.
The first left-hander to win a major championship when he took the 1963 British Open, Charles won the New Zealand Open as an amateur in 1954 and added titles as a pro in 1966, 1970 and 1973.
Big gallery
Prugh admitted to feeling "a bit emotional’’ as he was greeted with a warm ovation from a big gallery as he walked on to the 18th green.
"I’ve never seen numbers like that before, it was nice to hear all those people cheering for you.’’
Prugh is the first American winner of the New Zealand Open since Corey Pavin in 1985. Pavin had also won the tournament in 1984, and Prugh has vowed to return next year to see if he can do the double.
Iconic activities
It wasn’t all work and play for the golfers. A group took a break from the tees to experience some of Queenstown’s iconic activities, including a jet-boat trip and a bungy jump.
Returning to compete in the Michael Hill NZ Open for the second time, Australian Anthony Brown said he is still blown away by the stunning scenery.
"It’s incredible to be standing here in the sunshine with snow covered mountains," Brown said.
On his first-time visit, Canadian player Dave Morland was keen to experience Queenstown’s adventure activities. "It’s awesome, one of the prettiest places I’ve been."
Queenstown: southern golfing destination
With a series of golf courses in close proximity, Queenstown and nearby Arrowtown provide a world class destination for golfers of all levels.
Golf courses range from immaculately groomed resort greens through to simple fairways kept in check by flocks of merino sheep.
Golf courses:
- Millbrook Resort offers luxury accommodation and a Sir Bob Charles designed course.
- Kelvin Heights Golf Course features one hole ranked among the most scenic in the world.
- Arrowtown Golf Club is locally-flavoured course with a goldmining history and traps for the unwary.
- Frankton has a driving range at the 9-hole practice course.
- Glenorchy golfers may find themselves rounding up sheep from the fairway.
- The Hills - site of the NZ Open - is a private golf course near Arrowtown.
There are other picturesque courses within a 90-minute drive of Queenstown. Several new courses are under construction or planned.
More information:
NZ chips in as top golfing destination
World's best golf course in New Zealand
Golfers head for The Hills Downunder
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