Craigs Investment Partners is inviting spectators at this year’s New Zealand Open to participate in a charity fundraiser taking place on Saturday and Sunday March 2 and 3, 2024.

Spectators will have a shot at winning $5,000 by competing in Craigs Investment Partners ‘Closest to the Pin’ competition, with all money raised going to Queenstown’s Wakatipu Community Foundation.

Taking place on the 14th hole on the Remarkables course at Millbrook Resort between 10am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday March 2 and 3, 2024, all those keen to ‘have a go’ will pay a donation to the Foundation in return for two attempts at hitting a golf ball closest to the pin.

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 $5,000 prize money from Craigs Investment Partners. The distance to the pin from the tee set up especially for the event will be approximately 125 metres.

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

“Connecting and supporting the communities in which we operate nationwide is important to us. What better way to do this in the Queenstown Lakes region than by connecting the community to the work of the Wakatipu Community Foundation at the New Zealand Open.

All donations go directly to Wakatipu Community Foundation to benefit local communities, so we hope to see as many people as possible dipping into their pockets and joining us for some golf for good,” he says.

The Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF) is a charitable organisation that builds endowment funds aimed at benefiting all aspects of the community, today and tomorrow.

“We are extremely grateful to Craigs Investment Partners for choosing the WCF as the beneficiary for their ‘Closest to the Pin’ fundraising event,” says Wakatipu Community Foundation CEO and Founder Jennifer Belmont.

 “We are eagerly anticipating the New Zealand Open as it presents a fantastic opportunity to highlight the beauty of the Wakatipu region.”

New Zealand Open Partnership Manager Michael Goldstein is excited to see Craigs Investment Partners engaging with spectators at the tournament and helping connect them with an amazing local community charity.

"We think the Craigs Investment Partners Closest to the Pin competition is a great spectator activation and will bring a bit of extra excitement to those in attendance,” he says.

“We hope everyone who comes to the tournament over the weekend makes a donation or two to the Wakatipu Community Foundation and has their shot at winning the prizes on offer. Someone has to win them!"

Jeremy Williamson says the Closest to the Pin competition is a great opportunity to show off your skills to win one of two $5,000 cash prizes up for grabs.

“We hope everyone comes down to give it a go, which in turn will hopefully raise a meaningful sum for the Foundation.”

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