Royal Wellington welcomes financial boost for Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

Thursday 2 June, 2016 

ROYAL WELLINGTON WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR 2017 
ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

The Royal Wellington Golf Club has welcomed Major Events Development Fund support to help host next year’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC).

The AAC is considered one of the most significant amateur golf events in the world and will be the largest and most important golf tournament ever held in New Zealand.

Royal Wellington Golf Club Captain, Andrew Harcourt, says the investment of $900,000 announced today by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Sport and Recreation Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman, i sgreat news and will help make the Championship an even greater success.

“We’re very grateful for the financial support, which will not only help Royal Wellington and New Zealand Golf deliver on commitments to the Championship organisers, but also support Tourism New Zealand, Sport New Zealand and help the Wellington region leverage this exciting and prestigious event,” says Mr. Harcourt.

The AAC is jointly organised by The R&A, the Masters Tournament and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation. The event annually rewards its champion with an invitation to the following year’s Masters, and the winner and runner(s)-up with exemptions into The Open Qualifying Series. It began in 2009, and has already become one of the largest international amateur golf tournaments in the world.

“The tournament has never been held in New Zealand before,” says Mr. Harcourt. “It will be broadcast to over 150 countries worldwide, and it will bring 120 of the top male amateur golfers from more than 30 countries in the Asia-Pacific region to Upper Hutt.

“Since the hosting announcement in October last year, Royal Wellington has been planning its role supporting the event organisers.

“Royal Wellington has a number of obligations, including presenting our Heretaunga Championship course in top condition and providing a strong team of volunteers. 

“This event will attract viewers from all over the world, and Royal Wellington is determined to make this an event showcasing Wellington and golf in New Zealand. Today’s funding announcement will help us deliver that.

“We are confident the AAC will contribute to the Major Events strategy by increasing tourism revenue and New Zealand’s exposure internationally.  It will also strengthen national pride and identity and add to the capability of the events sector.”

New Zealand Golf Chief Executive, Dean Murphy, also welcomed today’s funding announcement saying it was valuable backing to the sport in New Zealand and to Tourism New Zealand’s golf tourism strategy. 

“This event is not only an unprecedented opportunity for New Zealand’s top golfers to compete in a world-class event here at home, but also provides a big promotion boost to New Zealand as a golf destination.  That’s a huge opportunity for New Zealand golf.”

Support for the event has also been committed by the Wellington City Council and the Wellington Regional Development Agency, WREDA, including for marketing and communications.

The AAC will be held at Royal Wellington Golf Club at Heretaunga, Upper Hutt, from 23-30 October 2017.  The winner gets automatic entry to the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and a place in The Open Qualifying Series for the 2018 Open Championship to be held at Carnoustie, Scotland.

For more information contact:

Sir Maarten Wevers

Royal Wellington Golf Club

Ph: +64 (21) 8555 33

Dean Murphy

New Zealand Golf

Ph: +64 (21) 984 284