Journey to the Open

The New Zealand Open Charitable Trust is proud to support an initiative that creates a pathway for junior golfers from the host region to play alongside a professional at the New Zealand Open. This Journey to the Open aims to strengthen connections between local golf clubs, their members, and the tournament, while encouraging junior participation and membership across the Central Otago region.

The Journey to the Open will consist of three qualifying events held at Wanaka Golf Club, Cromwell Golf Club and Arrowtown Golf Club, with those who finish in the qualifying spots gaining access to the final at Millbrook Resort. The three qualifying events will be held in conjunction with each club’s Junior Open.

Qualifier 1: Arrowtown Golf Club – November 16th
Qualifier 2: Cromwell Golf Club – November 23rd
Qualifier 3: Wanaka Golf Club – December 7th
Final: Millbrook Resort – January 25th

What is up for grabs

Qualifying Events: Event prizes at each of the club qualifying events
Qualifying Events: The top players at each club qualifying event, on stableford score, will earn a place in the “finals event” to be staged at Millbrook Resort on January 25, 2026
Final Event: The player with the highest stableford score in the final event will win the NZOCT trophy
Final Event: The top four finishers of the Final Event will play off in a Closest to the Pin competition to determine who will win a fully paid spot in the pro-am field for one player (click here for details)

Who can get involved:

Male or female golfers between the ages of 16 and 19 years old (as of 31 December 2025) who are members of a Central Otago Golf Club and have a handicap index of under 18.
- Participating clubs: Wanaka Golf Club, Hawea Golf Club, Tarras Golf Club, Cromwell Golf Club, Alexandra Golf Club, Roxburgh Golf Club, Omakau Golf Club, Arrowtown Golf Club, Queenstown Golf Club, Glenorchy Golf Club, Jacks Point Golf Club, Millbrook Resort and The Hills.
Please view the Terms & Conditions at the bottom of the page for more entry information.

Terms & Conditions of Entry

1. The player must be a current member of a Central Otago Golf club from the time of entry to the conclusion of the 2026 New Zealand Open. | 2. The player must be between the ages of 16 and 19 years old, at 31 December 2025 | 3. The Journey to The Open is open to both male and female, who will compete as one field. | 4. The players handicap index must be less than 18 at the time of qualification tournament entered. | 5. The player must have a parent / guardian who can accompany / oversee the player at the New Zealand Open should they earn the playing spot. | 6. Eligible players can only enter and play in one qualifying event. Note: this does not have to be their home club. | 7. All players must display a level of golf etiquette and behaviour during the qualifying rounds and final that shows they can cope with playing at the New Zealand Open and represent themselves, their club and the NZOCT. | 8. By entering the Road to the Open, you agree that photos and video may be taken of you and used for promotional, media, and marketing purposes by the NZOCT, Host Club and the New Zealand Open.

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