Steven Alker has had another top year on the PGA Seniors Tour and will play the NZ Open in January PHOTO: PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
The first tee shots at the 105th New Zealand Open are getting closer with an impressive lineup of Kiwi golf talent confirmed to return to Millbrook Resort for next year’s event.
Leading the charge are Queenstown favourite Ben Campbell and PGA Tour Champions star Steven Alker, joined by world-class talents Daniel Hillier and Kazuma Kobori.
Having come tantalisingly close to lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy on multiple occasions, local hero Ben Campbell is determined that 2026 will be his year.
“The New Zealand Open is the one we all want to win,” said Campbell. “I’ve had a few really good runs at it, and I’d love nothing more than to get across the line. Millbrook Resort is my home course, and the team always delivers a world-class event. Playing in front of the home crowd gives me that extra bit of drive.”
Steven Alker was second at the Charles Schwab Cup and has been a shining light on the PGA Champions Tour.
“It’s always a privilege to come home and play in the New Zealand Open,” said Alker. “This event means a lot to all of us who’ve represented New Zealand around the world. It would mean the world to me to lift that trophy in front of my friends and family.”
Daniel Hillier returns to Queenstown following another outstanding season on the DP World Tour, highlighted by his runner-up finish at the Dubai Desert Classic, a top-five in Abu Dhabi, and a strong showing across the yea.
A DP World Tour winner and Olympian, Hillier is currently New Zealand’s No.2-ranked male golfer.
“The New Zealand Open is always a highlight of the season,” said Hillier. “No matter where we are in the world or how busy the schedule gets, I always make time to come home and play this event. Competing in front of a home crowd, with family and friends around, is something you just can’t replicate. Winning the New Zealand Open is a massive goal for me.”
Kazuma Kobori also confirms his return after a remarkable first two seasons as a professional—winning three times in the 2024/25 season to claim the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, and then delivering a superb rookie campaign on the DP World Tour that earned him a place at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
“Coming back to play the New Zealand Open is always special,” said Kobori. “I love being home, playing in front of our supporters, and competing alongside so many of New Zealand’s best golfers. It’s a tournament I’ve dreamed of winning for a long time, and I can’t wait to be back at Millbrook.”
Tournament Director Michael Glading says the 100-day milestone marks both anticipation and evolution.
“We’re proud to see so many of New Zealand’s top players making their way to Queenstown for the tournament. While we are an internationally recognised event that is followed all around the world, having our best players on display—flying the flag and making their mark on the tournament’s history—is what it’s all about.”
The 105th New Zealand Open will be held at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from 26 February to 1 March 2026
