New Zealand's iconic Millbrook Resort was named the Leading Golf Resort in Australasia for the third consecutive year at the 2012 World Travel Awards in Singapore during October. Regarded as the 'Oscars' of the travel industry, nominations for the 2012 title included the Palazzo Versace Golf Coast, Hyatt Regency Guam, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong.

Millbrook Resort, near Queenstown in the South Island, has received several accolades over the past year, attributing its success to a continuing development programme. Recently, this has included refurbishment of the Cottages accommodation, enhancement of the Spa at Millbrook and restoration of the greens of the Remarkables Nine course. Millbrook was designed 20 years ago by golfing legend Sir Bob Charles, with 18 holes crafted into a landscape that features views of the Remarkables and CoronetPeak. An additional nine holes was added by Greg Turner, opening for play in 2010. Millbrook offers a unique 27-hole challenge within a historic milling site.

In addition to the international award, Millbrook won the World Travel Awards Best Resort in New Zealand in 2011 and 2012.

Also on the world golfing stage, New Zealand Golf President Patsy Hankins has just been appointed the International Golf Federations Women's Chairman, a post she will hold for six years. Her appointment is the biggest achievement by a New Zealand golf administrator since Sir Thomas Gault became the first New Zealander to be elected the Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R & A) in 2005.

Australian-born Hankins has been a leading figure in New Zealand Golf administration for many years and was the first elected president of the amalgamated men's and women's governing bodies that formed New Zealand Golf in 2005.

"It is such an exciting time to be involved at the international level with golf becoming a sport at theYouth Olympics in 2014 and, two years later in Brazil, returning to the Olympic fold," said Hankins.