Prime Minister John Key got into the swing of a Central Otago summer, swapping Cabinet papers for a golf club to officially open Millbrook Resort’s new Coronet Nine golf course today.

Key was joined by heavyweights of the tourism and golfing sectors at an opening ceremony on the tee of the par-4 319m fourth hole, with views to Coronet Peak in the background.

They included Millbrook Resort owner Eichii Ishii, five-times British Golf Open champion Peter Thomson, English golfer, BBC commentator and golf course designer Peter Alliss, Millbrook golf course designer and former New Zealand touring pro Greg Turner and original Millbrook Resort course designer Sir Bob Charles.

Mr Key then played the hole with Greg Turner and Eichii Ishii, with commentary provided by the voice of golf, Peter Alliss.

“I was in complete awe of the company I was playing in but thoroughly enjoyed myself,” Key said.

Key said he was a golfer in his “pre politics” life as a member of the Remuera Golf club where he played a mid 20s handicap. 

“Life after politics and I’ll be back into it,” he said.

 

Sales and marketing boss Kim Carpenter said: “By late 2010, Millbrook will be home to a 27-hole golf course offering some of the best golf in New Zealand.”

The third and final new and improved nine holes at Millbrook, to be known as the Arrow Nine, is set for completion by late 2010.  

The Remarkables Nine, Coronet Nine and Arrow Nine will serve to create three differing 18-hole combinations, where any two out of the three nines can be played together.