Dongwoo Kang has won the sought-after Cello Invitational in Queenstown, one of the PGA of New Zealand’s premier pro-am’s.

The $60 thousand two-day event boasts a unique Gross Stableford format which Kang conquered after accumulating 81 Stableford points and being nine-under-par at Millbrook Resort’s Coronet Course and Jack’s Point.

The first round teed off at the Coronet Course at Millbrook Resort, which gave many professionals their first look at the New Zealand Open venue before the event takes place next year. Kang shot a credible three-under 69 to be three shots back of the overnight leaders, Josh Geary and Fraser Wilkin, who shot 66 with 42 Stableford Points.

Following the opening day, players attended the marquee gala dinner, where Cello raised over $40,000 for Plunket New Zealand. The Cello Invitational was established in 2020 to put a new spin on corporate golf, with the IT and telecommunication industry coming together to deliver a tournament that raises money to support newborn children and their mothers.

After a successful evening, the tournament returned for the second round at Jack’s Point Golf Club, which presented plenty of highlights to finish the event.

The Hills Director of Golf, Craig Palmer, hit the perfect shot on the 11th, his second hole of the day, recording a hole-in-one.

The excitement continued throughout the final round, with the tournament lead changing hands several times. Josh Geary, Kerry Mountcastle, Matt McLean, Tyler Hodge, Mitchell Newport, and Dongwoo Kang were all battling for the spoils, and just as Geary had posted a second round 70 to accumulate 80 Stableford points, Kang birdied his 16th hole to get to six-under for the day and be in the box seat for the victory.

He parred his remaining two holes to accumulate 81 Stableford points over the two days, and win the Cello Invitational by a shot.

The next event on the PGA of New Zealand calendar is the Titleist Footjoy Trainee Championships, followed by The Hills Pro-Am in December.