The New Zealand Open has three new sponsors.
The tournament’s main sponsor is ISPS Handa but three new sponsors, announced last month, are Hyundai New Zealand, Rodd & Gunn and SBS Bank.
Hyundai will be a major sponsor for the tournament which will be held at Millbrook Resort and The Hills near Queenstown in March.
New Zealand Open chairman John Hart, in welcoming Hyundai, commented that this once again illustrates how the tournament continues to go from strength-to-strength.
``We are delighted that this hugely successful New Zealand company has joined our family of sponsors and we are looking forward to a great partnership,’’ Hart said.
``It’s wonderful to have a brand join us who is as committed to New Zealand as we are.”
While Hyundai is a globally recognised automotive powerhouse, Hyundai New Zealand is 100 percent Kiwi owned and all Hyundai dealerships are operated by New Zealanders. The company has long been involved in New Zealand’s sporting and community fabric.
Hyundai New Zealand is a long term partner of the National Agricultural Fieldays, Hyundai Country Calendar and the Spirit of Adventure Trust as well as backing Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon, whilst its pinnacle programme mentors talented young Kiwis to help develop their dream projects and build their careers.
Hyundai New Zealand general manager Andy Sinclair said Hyundai was proud to step up to support the New Zealand Open for the first time, knowing the role that golf plays in the leisure interests of so many New Zealanders.
“This country has a proud history of representation at the highest level of golf and our dealers know very well how passionate kiwis are about the game,’’ Sinclair said.
``One of the first things many customers will do is open the boot to see how a set of clubs will fit in. Fortunately our designers seem to have taken this into account. We’re looking forward to helping this unique event continue to grow over the coming years.”
Rodd & Gunn and SBS Bank are supporting sponsors.
Rodd & Gunn will be the tournament’s new clothing sponsor. The company, registered 70 years ago, takes its inspiration from New Zealand picturesque landscape, and has a philosophy to create classic authentic garments of quality and style. The company is now taking its successful formula to the global market, and believes its sponsorship of the open will act as an arrowhead for that development.
SBS Bank will become the official sponsor of the tournament’s volunteer programme. Volunteers are a vital cog in the successful running of the event, with a significant number of the more than 300 volunteers coming from Canterbury, Otago and Southland regions.
SBS Bank was established almost 150 years ago and has become a trusted financial institution that has grown to operate throughout New Zealand. During this time it has been a strong supporter of community projects and events.
John Hart added: “For sponsorship to succeed both for the company and for the event, there needs to be a real synergy. These three companies share much of the same ethos and approach in terms of a drive for excellence, whilst retaining a culture as proud New Zealanders.’’
Tickets for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open, to be co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia and for the first time the Asian Tour, with a partnership with the Japan Golf Tour, are on sale through www.ticketek.co.nz.
Crowds in attendance for the last New Zealand Open. PHOTO: Photosport