Neil Wagner trades the cricket pitch for a memorable Queenstown golf challenge

Former Black Cap Neil Wagner took to the driving range at Jack’s Point before joining the Australia and New Zealand finalists at the BMW Golf Cup in Queenstown, according to the article. The amateur competition gave him a chance to play courses that have hosted the New Zealand Open, including Millbrook Resort and Jack’s Point. The global series has been running for more than 40 years and attracts more than 100,000 competitors across over 50 countries. Wagner was among four media representatives invited to take part, and went into the first day hoping not to embarrass himself on the course. At Millbrook, he carded an 88 while playing off a 14 handicap. One highlight came on the 15th, a par-five hole used for the New Zealand Open. Wagner launched a long drive and followed it with an approach that left him a chance at eagle, although he missed the putt and settled for a tap-in. The next day at Jack’s Point proved less smooth. Wagner shot 95 and felt as if his swing had deserted him, but he still produced a standout shot on the third hole, sending a nine-iron to within about five feet of the pin. A few holes later, he came close to an even bigger moment on the seventh, where a hole-in-one could have won a BMW valued at $145,000. His ball rolled just past the cup, and he missed the birdie putt. The writer noted that Wagner was not eligible to claim the car because he did not own a BMW. Even so, the near miss left him thinking more seriously about buying one. The event offered the former international cricketer a taste of competitive golf on celebrated New Zealand courses, along with a reminder that one good shot does not guarantee an easy round.