The 2026 New Zealand Open is set to captivate golf fans with live TV coverage of all four rounds. This prestigious event, held at the scenic Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, offers players a chance to make their mark in the golfing world.
Ryan Peake's unforgettable victory last year not only etched his name on the Brodie Breeze Trophy but also catapulted his career. His win granted him a two-year exemption on the Asian Tour, a coveted spot in the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, and a DP World Tour card thanks to his impressive finish on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. This week, those same lucrative rewards are up for grabs in the third "major" of the Australasian season.
With a hefty 760 points available for the winner, this tournament is a pivotal moment in the Order of Merit race. A victory on Sunday could propel a player to the top spot or, if you're current leader Cam John, solidify a commanding lead heading into the final stretch of the 2025/26 season.
However, the Australians and Kiwis face fierce competition. The NZ Open boasts a diverse field with 15 nationalities represented.
Notably, the Japan Golf Tour has sent a formidable group, featuring nine players from the top 12 on the 2025 Order of Merit. These players are starting a two-week stint in New Zealand, with the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship in Auckland next on their agenda.
The Asian Tour is also well-represented, with 10 of its top 20 players from last year in the mix. The tournament unfolds over the Coronet and Remarkables courses for the first two rounds, transitioning to a Composite course for the weekend. Each layout has a par of 71, with a course record of 10-under-par 61.
Adding to the excitement, the pro-am event features stars like 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater, Australian Test cricket captain Ricky Ponting, and Grand Slam winner Ash Barty. The top 40 pro-am teams advance to Saturday, with the top 10 making it to Sunday.
NZ Open Details:
- Venue: Millbrook Resort, Queenstown
- Prizemoney: NZ$2,000,000
- Live Scores: golf.com.au
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X @PGATourAus
TV Coverage:
Catch all the action live on Fox Sports, available on Foxtel, Kayo, and Sky Sports.
- Round 1: Thursday 12.30-4.30pm AEDT
- Round 2: Friday 12.30-4.30pm AEDT
- Round 3: Saturday 12.30-4.30pm AEDT
- Final Round: Sunday 12.30-4.30pm AEDT
Players to Watch:
- Lucas Herbert: LIV Golf No.15 in 2025
- Daniel Hillier: World No.98
- Kazuma Kobori: Three-time Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia champion
- Ben Campbell: 2023 Hong Kong Open champion
- Ryan Peake: Defending champion
- Anthony Quayle: 2025/26 DP World Tour member
- Cam John: Order of Merit leader
- Kazuki Higa: 2025 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion
- Wang Wei-Hsuan: Five top-threes on 2025 Asian Tour
- Austin Truslow: 2026 NZ PGA winner
Recent Champions:
- 2025: Ryan Peake
- 2024: Takahiro Hataji
- 2023: Brendan Jones
- 2020: Brad Kennedy
- 2019: Zach Murray
- 2018: Daniel Nisbet
- 2017: Michael Hendry
- 2016: Matthew Griffin
- 2015: Jordan Zunic
The 2026 New Zealand Open promises thrilling competition and a chance for players to achieve career-defining victories. With a rich field and high stakes, it's an event not to be missed.