A golfer's-eye view of Queenstown, without hitting a single shot

A last-minute injury changed the plan, but there was plenty to enjoy as BMW brought its amateur golf finalists to Queenstown for four days of competition and exceptional hospitality.

I arrived in Queenstown expecting to play golf. Unfortunately, my back had other ideas. An injury just before the trip put paid to any plans of teeing it up, which is not the ideal start to four days at the BMW Golf Cup National Final.

As it turned out, there are worse places to be a spectator. Between Millbrook Resort, Jack's Point, some excellent company and a hospitality programme that seemed to have thought of everything, I quickly discovered you can enjoy a remarkable golf trip without swinging a club. You also lose considerably fewer golf balls.

Not your average club competition

The BMW Golf Cup is a serious undertaking for an amateur event. Its international series draws more than 100,000 golfers from over 50 countries, with players progressing from BMW dealership qualifiers to National Finals. In Queenstown, BMW owners from New Zealand and Australia were competing for the chance to reach the World Final in South Africa. That's a pretty good prize for a golfer who normally spends weekends trying to keep the ball on the short grass.

Our media group included New Zealand and Australian golf and sports writers, while a separate group of content creators brought another perspective to the event. We were in excellent hands with Ciara Wylie from Herd MSL, who kept everyone informed, organised and on the move, even when the weather decided to rewrite the programme.

The forecast gets a vote

The tournament had been scheduled for Wednesday, but the prospect of rain saw it moved to Tuesday. That meant no practice round for the competitors, although everyone still had the opportunity to see both courses across the two days. The media and creator groups followed different parts of the action before catching up afterwards.

Tuesday brought showers and a moderate wind - enough to remind the players that Queenstown golf demands your attention. Then Wednesday arrived overcast but almost completely still. Typical. Anyone who has planned a golf day around a weather forecast will understand the irony.

The two courses were in outstanding condition given the wet winter New Zealand had experienced. At Millbrook, the Coronet 18 was beautifully presented, with those magnificent mountain views never far away. Jack's Point was another highlight: rugged, dramatic and the sort of place where taking a photo can feel almost as important as selecting the right club.

My unofficial job was a mixture of spectator, occasional caddie and enthusiastic observer. Not having a scorecard to worry about meant I could appreciate the pressure, the camaraderie and the occasional brave attempt at a difficult shot without having to attempt one myself.

A very tempting reason to hit it close

BMW had also put a new vehicle, valued at roughly $147,000, up for grabs for a hole-in-one, with both the men's and women's fields having their chance. Sadly, nobody drove away with the prize. I suspect the prospect of collecting the keys made a few tee shots feel rather more important than usual.

Even away from the competition, the attention to detail was hard to miss. Drinks carts circulated on the courses with a generous range of refreshments, including alcoholic options. It was all delivered with the sort of ease that makes guests feel looked after without making a fuss about it.

Good golf deserves good food

Our base was Hotel St Moritz, right in the heart of Queenstown. With its welcoming atmosphere, comfortable accommodation and beautiful lake and mountain outlook, it was a great place to retreat to after a day outside. The central location was a bonus, putting the best of town within easy reach.

After the competition on Tuesday, the journalists and creators met at Ayrburn's Woolshed for a late lunch and a few drinks. It was raining outside, but that hardly mattered. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere relaxed and everyone had a story from the course. Of all the carefully planned experiences, this was one of my favourites, partly because it felt so natural.

A lesson - and a celebration

Wednesday was a gentler day, with an opportunity to enjoy Jack's Point without the pressure of tournament golf. We also joined a putting masterclass with Nick O'Hern, the former Australian tour professional, and Mac Boucher. Both were refreshingly approachable and happy to chat, as well as offering practical advice on a part of the game most of us could improve. If only the back had allowed me to test a few tips on the practice green.

That evening, Peregrine Wines hosted the awards dinner. The setting, food and drinks were exceptional, but what I remember most is the mood: happy, vibrant and genuinely celebratory. Golfers, organisers and guests came together to acknowledge the competition and congratulate those heading to South Africa.

There is no doubt BMW knows how to put on an event. But the best part wasn't any one meal, hotel or golf hole. It was how easily the whole experience brought people together, whether they were competing for national honours, creating content or simply tagging along with an injured back and a keen interest in golf.

I went to Queenstown hoping to play two great courses. I came home having watched terrific golf, met some very good people and enjoyed the sort of hospitality that makes you want to return. I would still have liked a swing or two, of course. Next time.