[Photo] The R&A
The 2026 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) championship tees off at Royal Wellington Golf Club in New Zealand from 12–15 February, bringing together 84 of the region’s top women amateurs from 25 countries.
Already a launchpad for stars like Jeeno Thitikul, Patty Tavatanakit, Yuka Saso and Grace Kim, this eighth edition promises excitement both on and off the course.
The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship takes place this week at Royal Wellington Golf Club 🇳🇿
Ready to welcome some of the world’s best amateur golfers to New Zealand 💙 pic.twitter.com/D8MuINsbaB
— Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Golf Championship (@WAAPGolf) February 8, 2026
All eyes will be on defending champion Jeneath Wong, who is aiming to make history as the first player to win the WAAP twice. The Pepperdine University senior is relishing the chance to defend her title, but she is keeping the pressure off herself.
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Challengers include last year’s closest competitors, Soomin Oh, Sumin Hong, Yunseo Yang, and Jazy Roberts, along with rising talents such as Rianne Malixi of the Philippines, who returns from injury for her sixth WAAP appearance. New Zealand’s Elise Barber, just 13, will be the youngest competitor, enjoying the advantage of knowing Royal Wellington intimately.
Barber said, “I’m definitely both excited and nervous. I’m excited because it’s such a huge opportunity, but I’m nervous because it’s the biggest championship I have ever played in. Success for me would be playing confidently, sticking to my routines and enjoying the whole experience. If I do that, I will be happy.”
At home and on the big stage 💙🇳🇿
13-year-old Royal Wellington member Elise Barber has been handed one of the final spots at this year’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/2GbwjyFvzH
— Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Golf Championship (@WAAPGolf) February 8, 2026
The championship will also see historic firsts with Raina Kumar representing Fiji and 17-year-old Yanjinlkham Batdelger debuting for Mongolia. China’s teenage standout Shiyuan Zhou, Japan’s Yurina Hiroyoshi, and Thailand’s Prim Prachnakorn are other young players to watch, each already showing strong international results.
[Photo] The R&A
“My goal is to represent Fiji and win international events, win a gold medal for Fiji in the Pacific Games, play professional golf and inspire more young girls to take up golf,” said Kumar, who is the first player from her country to earn an official World Amateur Golf Ranking.
The WAAP, developed by The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, offers a significant pathway for elite women amateurs. The 2026 champion will receive exemptions into three major championships: the AIG Women’s Open, Amundi Evian Championship and the Chevron Championship.
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The championship is proudly supported by Rolex, ISPS Handa, Samsung, Titleist, Peter Millar, and other key partners, alongside Golf New Zealand, Wellington Council, and investment partners.
Royal Wellington is set to host another thrilling edition of the WAAP, where history, rising talent, and international firsts converge in four days of competitive golf.