AusLeisure

In a significant new stadium-based innovation, Auckland’s Eden Park is to convert its hallowed turf into a unique nine-hole golf course for five days this November.

To be backed by long-time Eden Park sponsor ASB, from 1st November, the inaugural ASB G9 will give 1,800 players the opportunity to tee off from nine different locations around Eden Park, with a bonus Longest Putt competition in the home team changing room.

Across the five-day competition registered teams of four will be given 90 minutes to make their way around the nine-hole, in-stadium course. Team scores will be tallied based on how close each ball gets to the corresponding hole.

A range of prizes will be on offer to players who sink a hole in one; prizes include winning a Kia vehicle for nine weeks.

Introducing the new concept, Nick Sautner, Eden Park’s General Manager Commercial, explains “the Eden Park team is excited to create this unique experience in New Zealand’s national stadium.

“This first will bring together some of New Zealanders’ favourite pastimes - golf, cricket and rugby in a truly unique setting.

“Golf is the highest club participation sport in New Zealand so what better way to showcase the diversity of our national stadium?

“Adding to the complexity for players will be the various elevated tee locations throughout the stadium including the opportunity to hit off the top of the west stand through the famous rugby posts where the All Blacks have created some of the most memorable moments in New Zealand sporting history.

“Given the level of interest and excitement, Eden Park has identified the opportunity to export the ASB G9 concept to stadia around the world.”

ASB G9 players will be challenged to hit golf balls using a restricted range of clubs. Some distances will rival that of Grant Elliot’s famous winning six during CWC2015. Penalties will apply for balls landing outside the course.

ASB Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events Mark Graham says ASB looks forward to helping bring the ASB G9 to life, adding “ASB has a long-standing association with Eden Park and we’re excited to see the iconic pitch used for yet another innovative sporting event.”

ASB G9 partners include Kia Motors NZ, SKYCITY, Barfoot & Thompson, Programmed, American Airlines, Benefitz, realestate.co.nz, Fonterra, Golf Warehouse and AA Insurance.

About Eden Park’s ASB G9 will run from 1st to 5th November 2017.

Eden Park members and corporates will be offered a 48-hour priority purchase period from 9am Monday 21st August to be one of the first to play the ASB G9 course at a discounted member rate of $79.

For more information go to www.edenpark.co.nz/ASBG9

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