FEATURE

Local golf pros come up trumps on day one of BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open

By Southern PR

The two golf professionals representing their ‘home’ clubs of The Hills and Millbrook Resort did their members proud today – both carding rounds of two-under par on their ‘rival’ courses.

Millbrook Golf Operations manager Pete Smith, at 56 the oldest player in the field, was “absolutely delighted” with his round at The Hills, while his counterpart Craig Palmer, 36, the Director of Golf at The Hills, was equally thrilled with how he played at Millbrook.

With the afternoon field still on course the pair are currently tied 8^th with the more familiar territory of their own ‘home’ courses to come tomorrow (Friday March 11).

For Smith the day was especially satisfying as the last major events he competed in were two British Senior Open Championships about five years ago.

“Millbrook was given a spot for its home professional and we had a play off for the spot in which I was fortunate to beat Ben Gallie,” said Smith.

“I had to dust the clubs off and quickly enter a couple of Legends events to get a bit of practice in!”
Playing amongst the first group to tee off at The Hills today, Smith said the conditions early on – with driving rain, dark conditions and wind – were “pretty tough”.


‘Rival’ local golf club professionals Peter Smith (L) from Millbrook Resort and Craig Palmer (R) from The Hills shake on a good day. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

But Smith – originally from Aberdeen in Scotland – has form. “I played the European Tour back in the early 90’s so that’s where the experience comes from.

“Both Craig and I are very much part-time golfers these days so we’re both very relieved to have done something our members might be proud of.”

Meanwhile Palmer, playing in the tournament for the fourth time, said he was happy to get off to a good start.

“Last year I was the leading Kiwi after two rounds and three years ago I hit 65 in the third round so my goal this year is to put four good rounds of golf together. I’m thrilled to be back at The Hills for tomorrow as I’m not quite as comfortable at Millbrook.

“Members and staff are all so pleased for me and that’s what I think about most.”

The BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open is a Tier One event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour and is played on two iconic Queenstown courses, The Hills and Millbrook.

For further information, latest updates and to book tickets go to www.nzopen.co.nz