NZ Open Golf 2026 – Dates, Venue, Tickets and Schedule

The 105th New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort is set to take place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, at the award-winning Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, New Zealand. As one of the premier events on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour calendars, the tournament brings together professional golfers from across the Asia-Pacific region competing for a prize purse of NZ$2 million.

Golf fans can expect four days of competitive action across two world-class courses—Coronet and Remarkables—with the composite layout hosting the decisive weekend rounds. The tournament has a rich heritage dating back to 1907, making it one of the oldest national opens in the world. Live coverage will be available through Fox Sports and Sky Sports, while live scoring updates can be accessed via golf.com.au throughout the event.

Whether you’re planning to attend in person or follow from abroad, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 New Zealand Open.

When and Where is the NZ Open Golf 2026?

The 105th New Zealand Open is scheduled for February 26 to March 1, 2026. The tournament takes place at Millbrook Resort, nestled between Queenstown and Arrowtown in New Zealand’s South Island. The venue has established itself as one of the country’s premier golfing destinations, offering stunning alpine scenery alongside championship-quality layout design.

The first two rounds are split between the Coronet Course and the Remarkables Course, with players rotating between the two layouts. During the weekend, the composite course—combining holes from both the Coronet and Remarkables—takes centre stage for the decisive third and fourth rounds.

Courses at Millbrook Resort

Millbrook Resort features two distinct 18-hole championship courses designed to challenge players of all levels. The Coronet Course winds through rolling hills and historic farmland, while the Remarkables Course offers dramatic elevation changes and panoramic mountain views. The composite layout strategically integrates the best holes from each course, creating a unique test that adapts daily as hole locations shift.

• The Coronet Course measures approximately 7,100 metres from the championship tees
• The Remarkables Course features dramatic mountain terrain and signature Viewsha Valley holes
• Combined composite course utilises the most challenging and scenic holes from both layouts
• Both courses have hosted professional events and receive tournament-standard maintenance
• Facilities include a dedicated tournament operations centre and multiple spectator viewing areas
• Pro-am competitions run alongside main field, featuring amateur teams paired with professionals
• The venue offers accommodation options on-site for players and tournament officials

How to Buy Tickets and What is the Schedule for NZ Open 2026?

General spectator information for the 2026 New Zealand Open is available through the official tournament website. While specific 2026 ticket pricing and sales timelines have not been publicly detailed in available sources, the tournament welcomes spectators to support players throughout the week at Millbrook Resort.

Round-by-Round Schedule

Practice rounds run from Monday, February 23 through Wednesday, February 25, allowing spectators to familiarise themselves with the venue layout before competitive play begins. The official tournament schedule follows:

• Monday–Wednesday: Practice rounds at Millbrook Resort (Coronet and Remarkables courses)
• Thursday, February 26: Round 1 on either Remarkables or Coronet course
• Friday, February 27: Round 2 on either Remarkables or Coronet course
• Saturday, February 28: Round 3 on composite course (Coronet/Remarkables)
• Sunday, March 1: Final Round on composite course, followed by prize ceremony

The pro-am component of the tournament features celebrity participants including Kelly Slater (surfing), Ricky Ponting (cricket), and Ash Barty (tennis). Top pro-am teams advance through each round, with the leading 40 teams progressing after Friday’s second round and the top 10 reaching the weekend competition alongside the professionals.

TV Coverage and Live Scoring

Fox Sports provides live broadcast coverage in Australia through Foxtel and Kayo platforms. Sky Sports delivers the signal to New Zealand viewers. All rounds air between 12:30 and 4:30pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time, giving viewers four hours of live tournament action each day.

For those following online, live scoring updates are available on golf.com.au. Social media updates appear regularly on the tournament’s official channels, including @PGATourAus on Facebook and Instagram and @PGAofAustralia on X (formerly Twitter).

NZ Open 2026 Prize Money, Tour Status, and Qualification

The 2026 New Zealand Open maintains a total prize purse of NZ$2 million, a figure consistent with recent years despite broader economic challenges affecting sporting events. This prize level positions the tournament among the most lucrative events on the combined tour calendars.

Winner’s Prize and Payout Structure

The 2026 champion receives NZ$360,000, matching the payout awarded in 2025 and previous editions. Every professional entrant who makes the cut receives a minimum payout, while those missing the 36-hole cut still earn a participation fee. The detailed payout breakdown for 2026 was published following the conclusion of the tournament on March 1, 2026.

• Total purse: NZ$2 million (unchanged from 2025)
• Winner’s share: NZ$360,000
• Minimum professional payout: Guaranteed regardless of cut status
• Cut line: After 36 holes (Friday evening)
• Second cut: After Round 3 (Saturday evening)
• Payout distribution: Standard tour percentages apply down the leaderboard

Tour Status and Sanctioning

The New Zealand Open 2026 carries co-sanctioned status across three major tours: the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour, and the Japan Golf Tour. This tri-sanction arrangement ensures a strong international field while providing pathways for regional professionals to compete at the highest level.

Success at the New Zealand Open carries meaningful exemptions and qualification benefits. The 2025 winner Ryan Peake earned exemptions to The Open Championship and DP World Tour cards through his victory. Players finishing in the upper reaches of the leaderboard accumulate Order of Merit points applicable across all three co-sanctioning tours.

How to Qualify for the NZ Open

Entry to the New Zealand Open comes through multiple pathways determined by tour membership, previous results, and qualification events. Amateur players may gain entry through designated amateur competitions or sponsor invitations.

For those missing the first 36-hole cut, the tournament provides an additional competitive opportunity: The Hills New Zealand Open Challenge offers a secondary event where players can compete for a separate prize purse and ranking points.

History and Expected Players for NZ Open Golf 2026

The New Zealand Open traces its origins to 1907, making the 2026 edition the 105th playing of the tournament. This heritage places the event among the oldest national open championships in the world, predating many better-known professional events globally.

Recent Tournament Winners

The 2026 New Zealand Open was won by New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier, who finished at 22-under par (262) to claim the NZ$360,000 winner’s purse. Hillier’s victory marks a significant achievement for local golf talent on home soil.

Preceding results show strong international participation:

• 2025: Ryan Peake (Australia) – 261 (-23) – NZ$360,000 – Millbrook
• 2024: Takahiro Hataji (Japan) – 267 (-17) – NZ$360,000 – Millbrook
• 2023: Brendan Jones (Australia) – 266 (-18) – NZ$297,000 – Millbrook
• 2018: Daniel Nisbet (Australia) – 258 (-27) – NZ$207,000 – Millbrook

The winner’s purse has remained consistent at NZ$360,000 since 2024, having increased from the NZ$297,000 level in 2023. Prize money has grown significantly over the decades, reflecting the tournament’s elevated status on international tour calendars.

International Field and Celebrity Pro-Am

The tri-sanctioned format ensures a diverse international field representing players from Australia, Japan, Asia, and New Zealand. The combined tour membership creates natural pathways for professionals from each region to compete without additional qualification requirements.

The pro-am component draws celebrities from various sporting disciplines. Kelly Slater (11-time world surfing champion), Ricky Ponting (Australian cricket legend), and Ash Barty (former world tennis number one) have participated in recent pro-am events. The celebrity pro-am structure pairs these high-profile amateurs with professional players, creating an additional spectator attraction.

Spectators attending the New Zealand Open can experience world-class golf alongside the unique atmosphere created by the celebrity pro-am element. The tournament’s location in the Queenstown region—renowned for adventure tourism and scenic landscapes—adds to its appeal as a destination event.

Milestones in NZ Open History

The New Zealand Open has evolved significantly since its inaugural 1907 edition, transforming from a domestic amateur competition into a fully professional international event co-sanctioned by three major tours.

1. 1907: Inaugural New Zealand Open held, establishing one of golf’s oldest national championships
2. 1970s–1980s: Transition to professional status, attracting international players
3. 2010s: Integration with PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour membership
4. 2018: Daniel Nisbet wins at 27-under par, one of the lowest winning scores in tournament history
5. 2023: Brendan Jones wins; prize money increases to NZ$297,000
6. 2024: Takahiro Hataji claims victory; winner’s purse rises to NZ$360,000
7. 2025: Ryan Peake wins, earning Open Championship exemption
8. 2026: Daniel Hillier becomes 2026 champion at Millbrook Resort

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

The NZ Open’s Role in Asia-Pacific Golf

The New Zealand Open occupies a distinctive position within the Asia-Pacific golfing landscape. As one of the few tournaments simultaneously sanctioned by three regional tours, it provides unique opportunities for players at various career stages to accumulate meaningful ranking points and pursue advancement to higher-tier events.

The tournament’s location in Queenstown—New Zealand’s adventure sports capital—differentiates it from urban-based events. Players and spectators experience alpine scenery alongside competitive golf, creating a destination atmosphere that attracts international participation. Those exploring the broader South Island region may find useful planning resources at What to Do in Christchurch – Attractions, Tips and Itineraries.

The prize structure of NZ$2 million, while modest compared to major championships, represents significant earning potential for players on regional tours. The guaranteed minimum payout ensures professionals receive compensation even when missing the cut, a feature that distinguishes the event from many professional tournaments globally.

Sources and References

The information in this article draws from official tournament communications, tour bodies, and established golf media outlets:

• nzopen.com – Official tournament prize purse announcement
• nzopen.com/tournament-info/ – General spectator and venue information
• nzopen.com (Schedule) – Official round-by-round schedule
• Australian Golf Digest – Complete guide and broadcast details
• where2golf.com – Historical results and venue information
• Asian Tour – Official tournament sanctioning body
• Golf Digest Middle East – Prize money breakdown

Summary: Key Facts About NZ Open Golf 2026

The 105th New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort runs from February 26 to March 1, 2026, at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, New Zealand. With a total prize purse of NZ$2 million and winner’s share of NZ$360,000, the tournament is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour, and Japan Golf Tour. Daniel Hillier of New Zealand claimed the 2026 title at 22-under par. Practice rounds begin February 23, with competitive play spanning Thursday through Sunday. TV coverage airs on Fox Sports and Sky Sports between 12:30 and 4:30pm AEDT. Live scoring is available on golf.com.au.