Richie leads ambassador line up at NZ Open
Former All Black captain Richie McCaw is one of the sporting greats taking on the New Zealand Open Pro-Am later this month.
McCaw is joined by cricket legends Stephen Fleming and Ricky Ponting, rugby icon Israel Dagg, 'Double All Black' Jeff Wilson, as well as motorsport star Hayden Paddon and basketball standout Tom Abercrombie.
The NZ Open, held from 27 February to 2 March at Arrowtown's Millbrook Resort will feature professional golfers playing alongside amateurs- the only national Open in the world to be played in a pro-am format.
Two-time Rugby World Cup champion Richie McCaw, widely regarded as one of the finest rugby players of all time, loves his golf and is looking forward to being part of the New Zealand Open’s rich sporting history.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the New Zealand Open," McCaw says. "Golf has always been a sport I love, and to be able to play alongside the professionals as they duke it out for our national title is really exciting.
“While my heart lies in rugby, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for golf and I’m looking forward to supporting this incredible tournament.”
Former World No. 1 tennis player and Grand Slam champion Ash Barty is also attending as non-playing ambassador.
"Last year was fantastic, I really connected with the tournament and being in Queenstown is always special," Barty says. "The hospitality and friendliness of everyone involved is second to none and always so welcoming.
“While I won’t be teeing it up this year, I am thrilled to be coming back to one of my favourite sporting events, spending time with volunteers and the incredible people who bring this event together.”
Returning ambassador Ricky Ponting will be back for his eighth New Zealand Open Pro-Am event and is looking forward to his “favourite week of the year”.
“It’s always a privilege to be invited back and I know the other ambassadors feel the same way,” Ponting says.
“I’ve been talking with other Ambassadors and we’re all really excited. Millbrook Resort is such a beautiful place to host the tournament which keeps getting better every year.”
New Zealand Open Chairman John Hart says organisers are incredibly proud to have such a remarkable group of ambassadors supporting the New Zealand Open.
“They bring not only diverse backgrounds and international appeal to the tournament which helps us engage with a wide audience, but their love of golf aligns perfectly with the New Zealand Open,” hart says.
With an impressive $2 million prize pool, the tournament is set to be one of the biggest in Australasia.
The ambassadors will actively promote the tournament in the lead-up to the event, engaging with attendees at the tournament and helping host a number of key tournament functions.
The 104th New Zealand Open will tee off at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown later this month between 27 February and 2 March 2025. For more information, please visit nzopen.com.
