- Taupō to kick off new national three-event golf series — the Entelar Group Invitational
- Hosted at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary (19 April), and Kinloch Club (20 April)
- 50 professionals and 50 amateurs to play 36 holes
Played across Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary (19 April) and Kinloch Club (20 April), the tournament will feature 50 professionals and 50 amateurs competing over 36 holes.
The Taupō event forms part of the Cisco Series, a premium pro-am format designed to combine elite competition with high-quality visitor experiences at leading golf destinations around New Zealand. The two other events will be held later this year at Te Arai in October, and Queenstown in December.
The professional field will include top domestic players, invited New Zealand professionals and selected international entrants, competing for a $125,000 prize purse.
Taupō’s inclusion reflects the standing of both host courses, with Wairakei and Kinloch widely recognised for their championship quality, contrasting layouts and strong destination appeal.
For Destination Great Lake Taupō GM Patrick Dault, the championship is a high-level endorsement of the premium golfing available in Taupō. “Wairakei and Kinloch are among New Zealand’s top golf courses so, naturally, we’re not surprised to see them hosting this new event.”
“With two very different championship venues in the same district, Taupō offers something few golf destinations in New Zealand can match,” said PGA of New Zealand Tournament’s Coordinator Peter Witton.
Background provided through PGA of New Zealand suggests around 100 players will travel to Taupō for the tournament, with additional support teams and visitors contributing to local accommodation, hospitality and visitor activity.
“It is about creating a premium experience for players and amateurs, while also putting destinations like Taupō in front of golfers who may return again for their own trips,” Witton said.
The event sits within a wider period of golf activity for Taupō, with the TORO New Zealand Speedgolf Open and the New Zealand Men's Mid Amateur Championship also taking place across the same fortnight.
NOTES:
The Cisco Series: https://www.ciscoseries.com/taupo-invitational/
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary: https://wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/
Kinloch Club: https://www.thekinlochclub.com/
