New Zealand golfer Nick Voke admits there is a mixture of excitement and nerves ahead of a rare tournament in Auckland for next month’s Japan-Australasia Championship at the Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club.
Voke will be one of the biggest names taking part in the event, which will alsofeature five-time PGA tour winners Kevin Na and Nick Watney, both of whom will be playing at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown next week.
The tournament in Auckland has seen the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation come together for the first time, and will co-sanction the event which will be played from March 5-8, with A$1.2 million ($1.37m) in prizemoney up for grabs.
Voke said the chance to play on his home soil was an interesting prospect.
“I haven’t slept in my own bed for a tournament in about 10 years,” Voke said.
“I don’t know how it’s going to go. It can go both ways. I’ve seen the hometown heroes show up with the big crowd, shoot six-over around one.
“Or you can play well, feed off it, kind of like Miguel [Tabuena] did when he won International Series Philippines. And so I’m a spectator like everyone else, I’m kind of curious to see how I play as well.”
Voke feels the course could provide some challenges for players.
“I‘m excited to see how they set it up,” Voke said. “If they wanted to, even par could win it.
“There could be carnage. There’ll be a few of us home members there. I’ll be one of them and I’m thrilled it’s there. It’s a proper championship course.
“I’ve been prepping for this for a while, and it’s a course that you need to know around the greens. You have to know where to hit it, what contours to use, where to not miss it.”
Kevin Na. Photo / Photosport
Na, who has played in 46 major championships, said he can’t wait to experience playing golf in New Zealand
“I’m really excited to be part of the inaugural ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship,” Na said.
“It’s always special to play a new event and help set the tone for what it can become. New Zealand has some great golf courses and I’m looking forward to experiencing Royal Auckland & Grange for the first time.”
Watney, who was part of the winning US Presidents Cup team in 2011, echoed Na’s sentiments.
“The concept of bringing together players from different tours and cultures is something I love, and Royal Auckland & Grange looks like being a fantastic venue,” Watney said.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and to spending time in Auckland and as much of New Zealand as I can see on this trip.”
