Augusta National and The R&A run the AAC together with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC). Te Arai managing director Jim Rohrstaff says that alone is significant.

“It’s one of the top few amateur events in the world. To have two of the most well-known and respected bodies in world sport in Augusta and the R&A down here backing an event in New Zealand is a big deal.” Rohrstaff said.

“This is golf in its most pure form: amateur golf, bringing 120 players from 39 countries across the Asia-Pacific region together – it’s going to be a special week.”

Made for television

The event will be shown in more than 190 countries, with a potential audience of more than 300 million. The Masters broadcast team is coming south to produce it, including world renowned golf commentators Rich Lerner, Amanda Balionis and New Zealand’s own Frank Nobilo.

“The fact the Masters broadcast team comes down for this tells you how real it is,” Rohrstaff said.

“The amount of time and resource that has gone into the broadcast set-up is incredible and I can’t wait to see what they’re able to produce.

“The South course is blessed with sea views on 16 of the 18 holes, which in itself will make for some stunning visuals.

“Those views, combined with the wild beauty of the east-coast beach landscape and the immaculate condition of the course, I think will blow viewers away at home and around the world. I couldn’t think of a better advertisement for Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Destination New Zealand

Rohrstaff acknowledged the support of local and central government as well as the local iwi and Golf New Zealand for helping host the prestigious tournament.

“It certainly takes a village to bring an event of this significance to New Zealand,” he said.

Jim Rohrstaff. PHOTO: Supplied.

“Tātaki Auckland Unlimited in particular have been fantastic in ensuring we’re able to maximise the opportunity for the wider region.

“We live in such a great city that I’m hoping some of that is really captured through the broadcast, showing that Auckland itself is a wonderful city in the world.

“We, along with our local iwi Ngāti Manuhiri, are exceptionally proud of this land and the great venue and can’t wait to share it with the world.

“We’ve provided the Masters broadcast team with beautiful scenic shots of the wider Auckland region and the rest of the country – so international viewers will be in no doubt about our piece of paradise down here at the bottom of the world.”

Timing is everything

The AAC arrives in New Zealand with golf on a high, following Ryan Fox’s incredible win at The Open at Royal Birkdale in July, and Daniel Hillier continuing his successful season after winning the New Zealand Open earlier in the year.

Both players are affiliated with Te Arai and carry the venue’s logo, the toetoe - a native New Zealand tussock - on their bags.

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Touring New Zealand: The complete golfing package

Spectacular is a word overused throughout this feature. Overused, but accurate. There isn’t a term which better describes playing golf at some of New Zealand’s finest – and globally ranked – layouts; what comes alongside the golf is even more of a representation of the adjective.

The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific was successfully held at Royal Wellington in February and more tournaments are being brought to Aotearoa, along with more top end courses being built around the country.

Rohrstaff believes the world is starting to see New Zealand as a premier golf destination.

“We’ve got a lot to be very proud of, not only our golfers but our golf courses. New Zealand’s reputation as a global golf destination is just getting stronger and stronger.”

Home advantage

No New Zealander has ever won the AAC. A nine-strong Kiwi team will try to change that: Zack Swanwick, Joshua Bai, Cooper Moore, Yuki Miya, Robby Turnbull, Ryan Xie and late additions Zach May, Ishaan Shah and Samuel Ding.

Rohrstaff thinks the conditions could help the local hopes.

“October is statistically our windiest month up north, so we should have a bit of wind to test the ball-striking,” he said.

“Tight lies, firm, bouncy greens and fairways. There’s not a lot of true links golf throughout the rest of Asia, so that plays really well for the hometown kids.”

The prize would be the chance to stand alongside Fox at St Andrews next July.

Players get ready on the range at Te Arai. PHOTO: Supplied.

“We’d love to see one of our own lift the trophy on Sunday and stamp their ticket.”

Best seat in the house

Te Arai was never built for big crowds, so spectator numbers have been limited with the public ticket allocation already at capacity for each day.

Rohrstaff has some simple advice for anyone thinking of making the trip.

“The best way to watch this event is sitting on your favourite chair or sofa at home, with a cold beverage of your choice, watching it live on TV.”

Sky will have live coverage in New Zealand from 2pm to 5pm Thursday to Sunday, while the APGC YouTube channel will also carry the coverage free to air worldwide.