The Disc Golf Tour Down Under (TDU) and Auckland Disc Golf Club are excited to announce the New Zealand Disc Golf Open has found a new home, and will take place at the Oratia Orchard Disc Golf Course in West Auckland. Renowned for its dramatic elevation changes, lush rolling hills, and fairways lined with fruit trees, the Orchard DGC offers an exhilarating blend of risk and reward, challenging even the most skilled players. Nestled in a sprawling fruit orchard within the Waitakere Ranges of West Auckland, this course features stunning native New Zealand bush, creating a spectacular natural backdrop that pairs beauty with difficulty.
"Over the past few months, we've been in discussions with some of New Zealand's major television broadcasters to explore the possibility of airing TDU events on TV." says Henry Pearson, TDU Tour Director. "Unfortunately, the details of such an opportunity haven't been finalised in time for us to secure sponsorship and advertising deals with domestic brand partners, which we were a key factor in putting the Tour in a position to meet our partnership commitments with Redwood Park Golf Course. Additionally, a decline in player registration demand affecting events across New Zealand and tighter sponsorship budgets among many of the world's top disc golf brands also played a role in the decision to change the venue. The Orchard Disc Golf Course has immense potential to become a world-class facility, and this event will accelerate its development and attract the necessary investment to realise that vision."
The Auckland Disc Golf Club and Oratia Disc Golf Club have joined forces to lead the local organising committee for the NZ Open, led by Tournament Director and designer of the Orchard Course Simon Feasey. Joining him as Assistant Tournament Directors are Ben Upton, director of the recent Auckland Disc Golf Championships, and Bob Gentil, a Disc Golf Hall of Famer and Auckland disc golf legend. They will be supported by a committed team of club members and passionate volunteers.
In preparation for the event, the course will benefit from a significant investment in upgrading tee pads, course markings, and amenities to create a world-class venue. A newly designed championship layout will premier at the NZ Open, providing a test of skill for the players across all divisions. Amateur players will receive a fantastic players pack, complete with 2x Special Edition Discraft Discs, complimentary lunch and other goodies. Players and spectators will also enjoy a vibrant event atmosphere and hospitality on the weekend of the event.
Check out this coverage of 2024 NZ National Championships, held at nearby Bella Rakha DGC, sister course of the Oratia Orchard DGC:
Looking toward 2026 and beyond, the local organising committee plans to bring together the Orchard and the neighbouring Bella Rakha Disc Golf Course to host elite disc golf events across both venues in New Zealand's largest city, while creating a genuine club-like home base for Auckland DGC members. Each venue offers complementary yet contrasting scenery and challenges, each reflecting the distinctive native bush and landscapes of West Auckland, while differing significantly in elevation changes, hazard varieties, and overall difficulty.
Players and fans alike won’t want to miss this iconic event! Registration is open now with limited slots available, so early sign-ups are encouraged. To secure your place in the 2025 New Zealand Disc Golf open, visit dgscene.com/TDU25.
About the Tour Down Under: The Disc Golf Tour Down Under is the worlds premier pre-season disc golf experience and the most exciting and interesting way to engage with New Zealand disc golf. This summer, January-February 2025, witness the world’s top professionals compete against Oceania's rising stars in four world-class events at New Zealand's most beautiful disc golf venues. Catch the action on YouTube with next-day, post-production coverage. For more information, visit: www.tourdownunder.co.nz.
About the Auckland Disc Golf Club: The Auckland Disc Golf Club is one of the largest DG clubs in New Zealand, fostering a vibrant community of disc golfers at all levels of participation. Known for hosting top-tier events and promoting the sport’s growth in NZ's largest city, ADGC warmly welcomes both local and international players and fans of disc golf into its passionate and supportive community. For more information, visit: www.aucklanddiscgolf.com.
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