Queenstown: Thailand's Poom Saksansin is relishing the challenge of competing in the 'Land of the Long White Cloud' for the first time in his career.
The 99th New Zealand Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia and in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO), will be played at Millbrook Resort and the Hills from March 1-4.
Poom, a two-time Asian Tour winner, is expected to light up the NZ$1.2 million (approximately 28 million baht) event together with more than 10 Asian Tour winners that also features 2016 Order of Merit champion Scott Hend of Australia.
"I'm really excited about going to New Zealand. This will be my first time in New Zealand and I want to make it a really memorable affair. I'll be flying to India after New Zealand and although the journey is going to be very long, I don't really mind."
"I have heard so many wonderful things about the country especially the scenery and I want to experience it myself," said Poom.
The New Zealand Open will see 144 players compete for the first two rounds before the halfway cut is made where the leading 60 players and ties progress to the final two rounds.
The unique nature of the event also includes 144 amateur players, who will each partner a professional in a two-man best-ball event in the first two rounds.
"It's always interesting whenever there's a new format. I'm looking forward to playing with my pro-am partner and most importantly, have fun," said the 24-year-old.
Poom has enjoyed a fine start to the season so far. He emerged as one of the standout performers for Team Asia at the EurAsia Cup and finished tied for 12th and tied for 10th in Singapore and Myanmar respectively last month.
"I'm playing well and hopefully I can get that next win very soon," smiled Poom.