Major sponsor, Manuka Doctor offered $1 Million Hole-In-One prize for any amateur or professional who could master the 7th hole at The Hills on the first two days of the tournament.
Australian professional Stephen Allan came closest on Thursday when his tee shot tracked online, pitched nicely and then bounced off the flagstick to rest beside the hole.
Copyright photo: John Cowpland / www.photosport.nz
Manuka Doctor director Nicola Macfarlane said there had been massively positive feedback for someone to win the prize which included a major chunk going to New Zealand charity – Starship Hospital.
“It’s been great to see so many of the players, professional and amateur, take on the Manuka Doctor $1 Million Hole-in-One challenge and attack the pin so aggressively,” said Macfarlane.
“We got close, very close but no one managed to hit that lucky shot. Because of all the amazing reaction, we have chosen to support Starship in any case. Recognising the 101st New Zealand Open we have decided to donate $101,000 to Starship Children’s Hospital,” said Macfarlane.
CAPTION: Two-time New Zealand Open Champion Michael Campbell, representing Manuka Doctor, and New Zealand Open Chairman, John Hart with the special cheque for Starship Children’s Hospital from Manuka Doctor.
