“As with the Open, border restrictions for overseas players and ongoing uncertainties around Covid settings make it impossible for us to stage an Australasian Tour event at this point in time,” said Andrew Clements, Chairman of the PGA of New Zealand.
“We looked at the possibility at running a purely local tournament along the lines of the highly successful 2021 PGA Championship at Te Puke, but replicating this is not feasible under a red light setting.”
“We are of course extremely disappointed we are not able to bring the PGA Championship and its 102-year heritage, to Auckland and Gulf Harbour Country Club, especially given the support pledged by Auckland Unlimited and Gulf Harbour,” Clements said.
Clements also endorsed the comments of Golf New Zealand chief executive Dean Murphy on playing opportunities for local professionals and elite amateurs.
“The last two years have been incredibly challenging for organisers and players alike,” he said, “and we will continue to work closely with host clubs and Golf New Zealand to maintain as many PGA Pro-Ams and Charles Tour events as possible”.
The tournament has been rescheduled for February next year, with preliminary dates set at February 24th to 27th, 2023.
