A shift for the NZ Golf Open as PGA Tour of Australasia adjusts NZ swing
The New Zealand Open is on the move.
As the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia reshapes its New Zealand swing, the Open has had its place in the calendar shifted.
This year, the tournament presented by Millbrook Resort sat between the Quinovic New Zealand PGA Championship at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club and the newly established ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club.
The three events will again be held in 2027; however, the Open will now be the final tournament of the swing.
The NZ PGA Championship remains the opening tournament, being held at Paraparaumu Beach from February 11-14. The Japan-Australasia Championship, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australia and the Japan Golf Tour, will return to Auckland as the middle tournament from February 18-21.
The swing will end with the NZ Open at Millbrook from February 25-28.
“Last year’s introduction of three consecutive tournaments in New Zealand was a tremendous success and we’re excited to build on that again in 2027,” Nick Dastey, PGA of Australia general manager of tournaments and global tour relationships, said.
“The change in order, with the New Zealand Open now bringing the swing to a close, creates a fantastic finish to three weeks of golf and adds even more excitement as the race for the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit heats up.
“There’s enormous momentum behind golf in New Zealand right now. Ryan Fox’s victory at The Open Championship is a fantastic example of the quality of Kiwi golf and we’re seeing that reflected across every level of the game.
“With three outstanding championships, world-class venues and incredible support from fans and partners, New Zealand has become an integral part of our schedule and one of the highlights of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season.”
This year, Daniel Hillier became the first Kiwi since Michael Hendry in 2017 to win the New Zealand Open, claiming a two-shot win with Australian Lucas Herbert in second.
Winner of the Open Championship Ryan Fox said he had hopes to make it back home for the New Zealand Open, however, the dates clashing with PGA Tour events made that difficult for him.
“To be fair, my intent over the last three or four years has been to make it back. It’s just where I’ve been in my career and where it sat in the schedule, it’s a hard time to come back as a PGA Tour player at the end of February,” Fox said.
“I know that’s where they need the event for it all to work out, but where it sits from a PGA Tour schedule, that’s one of the busiest points in the year.”
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
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