Auckland will play host to Lydia Ko and some of the world's biggest names after the New Zealand Women's Open was relocated from Christchurch to Ardmore's Windross Farm Golf Course.
The relocation is among a raft of changes that has been made to the tournament which will now be sanctioned by the LPGA and the Australian Women's Tour instead of the second-tier Ladies European tour.
This means that it'll not only become part of the LPGA Tour calendar but will likely attract the world's biggest names, increased prizemoney as well as new broadcasting rights and sponsorship packages.
Under the new arrangement, the winner's cheque will now be worth US$1.3 million (NZ$1.84m).
Lydia Ko said she was over the moon to be able to help New Zealand women's golf to grow.
“I am so excited with this announcement to bring the LPGA to my hometown in Auckland,” said Ko.
“I am honoured to be the first player to sign up to play. It is going to be amazing for me and my family to host my LPGA friends in my country. I want to see golf grow in New Zealand and more women playing the game, so this news today is fantastic.”
The tournament will move from its date in February/March to September 28 to coincide with the LPGA Tour's Asian swing.
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