Golf's New Zealand Open has been cancelled for 2022, after the country's move to the red traffic light setting of the COVID-19 response framework.
In what would have been the 102nd edition of the New Zealand Open, the tournament was to be held at Arrowtown's Millbrook Resort from March 31 to April 3.
The 2021 edition of the tournament was also cancelled due to the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic, with this year's cancellation another blow for golf in New Zealand.
The tournament would have also seen its top three finishers earn a place at this year's British Open at the iconic St Andrews in Scotland, as part of The Open Qualifying Series.
But on Tuesday, organisers confirmed the news that the tournament will be put on ice again, citing the restrictions of the red light setting.
"We have done everything within our power to make this event happen," chairman John Hart says.
"However, with the current government restrictions in place, running an event that includes 250 players, 250 caddies, 500 volunteers, nearly 100 tournament staff and officials, plus numerous contractors, as well of course spectators, is just not possible.
"After announcing in December that the New Zealand Open would proceed, including having direct entry into the prestigious 150th Open Championship at St Andrews for the leading three players, we are devastated to have now come to this decision,"
"We remain fully committed to the tournament and the Queenstown region and we are now setting our sights on holding the 102nd New Zealand Open in 2023."
The next intended New Zealand Open will now be held from March 2 to 5 2023.
