Walsh is just one of many well-known Kiwis and Australians who will be playing alongside local and international golfing stars in the NZD $1.3m event from 28th February to 3rd March at Millbrook Resort and The Hills (an event co-sanctioned with the Australasian Tour and the Asian Tour and in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour).
The field includes golfing legend Michael Campbell – who will use the tournament to restart his professional career after 3 years off, local favourite Ryan Fox and a slew of other well-known Kiwi professionals. The unique nature of the event also sees 152 amateur players take part, each partnering with a Professional in a two-man best-ball event for the first two rounds.
A keen golfer who plays off a nine handicap, Walsh will put his Halberg trophy aside and pick up his golf clubs this week to play as an amateur in the field alongside other New Zealand Open ambassadors including former double international Jeff Wilson, former New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming, legendary cricketer Shane Warne and former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting. All Black Israel Dagg and iconic Kiwi restauranteur Josh Emett are also dusting off their clubs to compete as amateurs in the historic 100th year of the tournament.
It is the second time Walsh has taken part, with other ambassadors including Grant Fox, Sir Russell Coutts and Hayden Paddon all regular attendees in recent years. All are keen and proficient golfers, led by Ponting who plays off a scratch handicap.
The New Zealand Open ambassadors will also be involved in a range of activities and functions surrounding the event with coverage of the tournament running from Thursday 28th February to Sunday 3rd March on Sky TV.
