Golf: Record entries for NZ Open

A record 250 golfers will chase the final places in the New Zealand Open golf championship at the Grange next month.

The first qualifying round will be held on January 2 at three venues - Whitford Park in Auckland, Wainuiomata in Wellington, and Russley in Christchurch.

The Auckland field has attracted the biggest entry of 175, with 45 players opting for Wellington and about 30 entering for Christchurch. This is more than 50 up on the entries for the qualifying tournaments in the previous Open.