Spectators invited to participate in Closest to the Pin charity fundraiser at New Zealand Open

Craigs Investment Partners (Craigs) is inviting spectators to participate in a charity fundraiser taking place at Millbrook Resort across the final two days of the 104^th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport.

The fundraiser will be held between 12-4pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March where spectators will have a shot at winning a daily cash prize of $3,000 by competing in Craigs Investment Partners ‘Closest to the Pin’ competition, with all money raised going to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust (LDART).

Taking place on the 9^th hole on the Remarkables course at Millbrook Resort, all those keen to ‘have a go’ will make a donation to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust in return for two attempts at hitting a golf ball closest to the pin, at a distance of around 125 metres.

It’s open to all amateur golfers and the person who records the ‘Closest to the Pin’ shot during each day of the competition will take home $3,000 prize money from Craigs.

This year Craigs Investment Partners is also partnering with Canon Oceania to give participants the opportunity to try their new PowerShot GOLF laser rangefinder. In addition to the cash prize, the two winners will each receive a PowerShot GOLF proudly donated by Canon Oceania. The PowerShot GOLF brings together advanced range-finding capabilities with visual imaging technology to deliver maximum results.

Craigs Head of Private Wealth and Markets, Jeremy Williamson, says the fundraiser activation aligns well with Craigs’ values.

“Connecting with and supporting the communities we serve nationwide is hugely important to us. What better way to support the Lakes District community than by supporting the important services provided by the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust through our Closest to Pin competition at the New Zealand Open.”

Established in 1991, the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust supports operators of emergency rescue helicopters from bases in Queenstown and Te Anau.

Some of New Zealand’s wildest and remotest country lies within their operating region and the Trust relies on donations and sponsorships to ensure they support search and rescue operators with the best equipment and training.

LDART Chairman Jules Tapper says the Trust is extremely grateful to Craigs Investment Partners for thinking of them at this time. 

“Last year, 1107 missions of assistance were conducted from bases at Queenstown and Te Anau. Missions are increasing annually as more and more people explore the great outdoors and our population increases,” he says.

“With our large area of operations, community support is continuously needed to supply the services and equipment provided. The operation has never been fully funded by the Government agencies that call it out so additional community funding is essential. Thank you to all who have contributed to this worthwhile cause.”

New Zealand Open Partnership Manager Michael Goldstein is excited to see Craigs Investment Partners engaging with spectators and connecting with a great local cause.

“We are really looking forward to the New Zealand Open teeing off at the end of the month. We think the Craigs Investment Partners Closest to the Pin competition is a great spectator activation which will bring a bit of extra excitement to those in attendance. We hope everyone comes to give it a go, which in turn will hopefully raise a meaningful sum for the charity.”

For more information visit: https://nzopen.com/tournament-info/spectator-info/closest-to-the-pin.

View the Closest to Pin Competition Terms and Conditions here.

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