Ryan Fox had that day, New Zealand time, won The Open Championship in England.
The Open is the most prestigious and oldest golf tournament in the world.
Fox was just the second New Zealander to win the tournament following the win, a mere 63 years earlier, of Sir Bob Charles in 1963.
Ryan had overcome many obstacles in the final round, including having to hit backwards out of a bunker on the 15th hole.
What’s more he only just made the cut after two rounds. He was
level par after two rounds which was only two shots inside the cut mark of two over par at the half-way point. No other player had come from further back in The Open to win.
Then in round three he shot a remarkable eight under par 62 which is the equal lowest score in a round of a major championship. There have only been six other players to score 62 in a major.
This was easily the greatest sports moment of the year, perhaps the decade and maybe the century.
There was no doubt what television’s 1News that evening would lead with. It would be about Foxy.
The man who is loved because of his no nonsense attitude on
the golf course. The man who picks hits shot and then hits the ball. The man who doesn’t read his putt from seven angles and then adjust the line on his golf ball by 0.1 millimetres. I don’t even think he has a line on his golf ball.
Yep, there was no question. Ryan would lead the 1News.
But what, no?
The lead story was about the soccer World Cup final. Had New Zealand won it?
No. They were knocked out of the tournament three weeks earlier.
And not only did 1News lead with the soccer, they devoted the first 20 minutes of the news to it. That’s the sort of time that would be devoted to a major new event — not who won the soccer.
Unbelievable, I thought. And perhaps more significantly, totally unprofessional, totally unethical journalism.
I don’t care that TV1 paid for the rights to broadcast the soccer. The news should still be totally independent — a basic rule of journalism.
If I had been 1News presenter Melissa Stokes I would have refused to present the news that night under those circumstances.
Yes I was annoyed — sorry angry.
I sent an email to TV1 expressing my disappointment. I said: “What a disgrace,” and that TV1 had broken one of the basic rules of journalism — independence.
Shame on you, TV1.
The Open Championship scores and prize money
Jul 16-19, 2026 | Royal Birkdale Golf Club | Par 70 | Yardage: 7223
Southport, ENG | $US17,750,000
World news media wanted to know all about New Zealand’s flying Fox
By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ
Ryan Fox is renowned for his no nonsense manner on the golf course.
And the world’s new media wanted to know all about it, judging by their questions after Fox’s win in The Open Championship in England last month.
First example. A reporter asks: “People were marvelling at how fast you play out there. Can you just explain what that strategy does for you as a player and maybe where you developed that, where you learned it?”
Fox replied: “I was always that way as a kid. I see things fast. I was the same when I was playing cricket growing up. I played almost every sport growing up, and tennis I wanted to hit the ball hard, and cricket I wanted to hit the ball hard. Everything just happened fast. I was never methodical at anything, to be honest, and it just carried over into golf.”
Fox continued: “I get in there, and it all happens quick. You hit -- it’s always going to be between one or two clubs into a green, and I just see the shot quickly, pick a shot quickly, and the less time I have to think about it, the less bad stuff can creep in there.”
A few questions later the reporters were again asking about his pick the shot and hit the ball attitude.
That made Fox recall a round he played earlier this year with world number one Scottie Scheffler who said it almost felt like Fox was not part of the group.
“I played with Scottie Scheffler earlier in the year, and I can’t work out if this was a burn or a compliment,” Fox recounted.
“We played at Phoenix, and we’re in a three-ball on Saturday. We walk off the ninth tee, and he goes, Foxy, it doesn’t even feel like you’re in the group. It just feels like we’re playing in a two-ball, you hit it so fast. It’s just in the air.”
It didn’t stop there from the reporters. A next question was: “Pro golf can be slow at times, especially these major rounds, difficult conditions. Have you had to do anything mentally to kind of accept that, even as quick as you’re going to play, you’re only going to play so fast?”
Fox agreed the glacial pace of some players annoyed him too.
“I think just playing professional golf in general, it used to frustrate me a lot early on, and I’ve just got better at switching off and talking to Dean, my caddie, or talking to my playing partners.
“You only really need to concentrate properly 30
seconds, a minute before hitting a shot, and then you can switch off again. That’s just the strategy I’ve had going pretty much my whole golf career.”
There were questions about Fox’s actual golf and one had to be about his bogey on the par three 15th in the final round.
This was a great example of a great bogey.
Fox’s tee shot on the 220-metre hole found a bunker. He was forced to hit backwards but got up and down from about 30 metres for a bogey four.
“There was no option other than to hack it out (of the bunker),” Fox said.
“To get that up-and-down really kept the momentum going obviously. I made a couple of birdies going
in. I felt like I made a really good shot on 15 too.
“It was probably a yard away from being 25 feet away. Sometimes bogeys are good -- I felt a whole lot better walking off that green making bogey that way than probably even if I’d have made par, to be honest. I think that was a pretty pivotal hole for me, 15.”
There was more bunker trouble on the par five 16th. Fox took a conservative approach with an iron off the tee but again found a bunker and had to play the shot standing outside the bunker.
Fox was left little choice but to blast out which left him 130 metres from the pin. He played a good approach but couldn’t hole the putt and had to settle for par.
With the very difficult par four 18th of 465 metres to come, many would have been thinking that was the tournament gone for Fox or, at best, a playoff with Cameron Young of the United States who had finished his final round two hours earlier.
Fox took driver from the tee, pounded it down the fairway, avoiding the many bunkers and leaving himself 161 metres to the pin.
As his approach shot was in the air, Fox could be heard saying: “be right”.
Right it was with the ball finishing about 11 feet from the hole and suddenly he again had a chance to win.
And in typical Fox fashion he wasted no time over the putt of his career. As he stood over his putt, the television commentator said “taking no time at all,” and a second or two later the ball fell in the hole, Fox raised his arms in delight and the crowd roared in support.
Fox recalled the last hole: “I hit two shots exactly how I wanted to hit them. I didn’t feel anything for the putt; everything was shaking that much. I was just happy to hit it somewhat near the hole, and to see it go in was incredible.
“I did say to my caddie, Dean, on the tee that we were going to take it on, that I was going to try to win the tournament, and I’d live with the consequences if I stuffed it up. To go out there and execute, that drive is not a very comfortable tee shot, obviously, and to hit it in the fairway and give myself a chance was huge.
“Then I landed on a good number. I think I had 160 metres to the hole. The breeze was a little down off the left. Obviously everything is a bit jammed up there, so it was just a solid nine (iron), and I hit it exactly where I wanted to hit it. I think I screamed to it, please be good, in the air, and it was.”
The moment of victory for Ryan Fox at the The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in England last month. (Photo credit Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
Fox is the second New Zealander to win The Open Championship, which is golf’s oldest and most prestigious tournament.
The other New Zealander to win the tournament, first held in 1860, was Wairarapa’s left-hander Bob Charles who won in 1963.
The Open is one of four major championships in men’s golf and Fox became the fourth Kiwi to win a major. Along with Charles, the other two are Michael Campbell, who won the US Open in 2005, and Lydia Ko who has won three majors (2015 Evian Championship in France, 2016 Chevron Championship in the United States and the 2024 Women’s Open in Scotland).
Fox was humbled by the win.
“Surreal, to be honest. It’s something you dream of. I
used to get up in the middle of the night to watch this tournament back home. It was always something that was there just to be able to play in it, first up, and now to be an open champion, to be the Champion Golfer of the Year, it’s unbelievable, surreal, crazy. I don’t have enough words in my vocabulary to explain it, to be honest.”
Fox is aged 39 and unlike many others in the game today he did not become a professional until his mid-20s. He admitted his initial ambitions were not high and he thought of giving the game away for a living.
“My second year on the Aussie Tour, I was pretty close to giving it up. I think I had three events left in the season, and I was not enjoying it. I played well enough in pro-ams to make a little money, but I had not played
well on tour, and I was well outside keeping my card.
“I remember getting to the Aussie Masters at Royal Melbourne. It was the second-to-last event of the year. I had just missed the cut at the Aussie PGA badly. My dad came over and caddied for me, and he said to me, why do you play this game?
“I said, well, it’s supposed to be fun. But it wasn’t really very fun at the time. He goes, well, let’s just go out this week and try to have some fun.
“I think I finished fifth that week, and that made enough to keep my card for the year. Took the pressure off the rest of the year, and I came back the following year and played really, really well.
“Yeah, that was -- I was very close to giving it up at that point.”
Ryan Fox sits proudly alongside the Claret Jug at his press conference after winning The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in England last month. (Photo credit: Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
Ryan Fox celebrates victory on the 18th green in front of the large crowd at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. (Photo credit: Stuart Kerr/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
The facts and figures behind Fox’s win
The facts and figures of Ryan Fox’s win in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, near Liverpool in England, last month are:-
* A winner’s purse of $US3.2 million. That’s about $NZ5.4 million.
* The second New Zealander to win The Open. The first was Sir Bob Charles in 1963.
* The fourth New Zealander to win a major championship. The others
are Charles, Michael Campbell (2005 US Open) and Dame Lydia Ko (three majors including the 2024 Women’s Open).
* He is guaranteed a start in The Open until aged 55 and has fiveyear exemptions for the Masters Tournament, the US Open, the PGA Championship and the Players’ Championship.
* He retains the winner’s trophy of the
Claret Jug for a year and receives a replica to keep.
* Fox broke the record for lowest position on the leaderboard after the first round (tied-85th) and the second round (tied-52nd) before going on to triumph.
* The official attendance for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale was 306,000, which is a new record in the history of the championship.
* A five-year exemption on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
* Third round score of 62 saw Fox become the seventh player to record the lowest score in a round of a major championship. The others are Branden Grace, Lucas Herbert and Sams Burns at The Open, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele at the US Open and also Schauffele and Shane Lowry at the PGA Championship.
The Champion Golfer of the Year has always had time for people. So, when his birdie putt dropped on the 72nd hole of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, it was a moment celebrated around New Zealand and far beyond.
Ryan Fox
By Peter Thornton
has always been the people’s champion
Iwas sitting on the couch one evening watching the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics with a cup of tea and a bickie.
The New Zealand team walking alongside the River Seine in Paris were in joyous mood and, in the heart of it all, were Kiwi golfers Ryan Fox and Daniel Hillier.
I was working on a story idea for another magazine and said to my wife: “You know who would be perfect for that? Foxy.”
I told her if I messaged him that night, I would hear back before we went to bed. She shook her head. There was no way. He was at the Olympic closing ceremony and, fairly obviously, busy. For most athletes she would have been right, but not Foxy.
Around 30 minutes later, Foxy replied: “Hey Pete, yeah mate no worries, story sounds good. I can’t at the moment, but I will give you a call when I am home next week.”
My wife couldn’t believe it. Here was a guy I had not really dealt with for more than 15 years, now one of the household names in world golf, yet still right there and ready to help.
Try that with most players on the
world stage and you would have no chance. To speak to someone like Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler, you would likely go through a wall of support staff and get nowhere. Or try securing an off-the-cuff interview with an All Black in today’s environment. Forget about it.
The thing that makes Foxy a champion is that my experience is not unique.
Across New Zealand, and now around the world, Ryan is the sort of bloke who gives people his time and energy. He has always been that way. Even with the fame and fortune of the global stage, he has not changed.
He loves a yarn — anyone who has played a round with Foxy will tell you he chats for the full 18 holes — and he has become a go-to person for media because he is available, honest and speaks from the heart. His media work after winning The Open was exemplary and gave the press gallery plenty to work with.
I have been around golf in this country for more than 30 years and I can’t think of anyone ever saying a bad word about him.
That comes from who he is and how he was raised by his dad Grant and mum Adele. They taught him oldschool values: respect, hard work and humility.
That is why his win was so popular. Without any coordination, friends from across the New Zealand golfing
community filled their Facebook and Instagram stories with the same Open graphic: Fox is the Champion Golfer of the Year. It was a cool sight, seeing that pride rise in unison.
I first met Foxy when he was 17 and I was working on Phillip Leishman’s television golf show. He was confident, a little cocky, and full of potential. On the day of our shoot, Grant was telling him he needed to spend more time on the range. Foxy, headstrong as ever, just wanted to be out on the course with his mates.
A year later he was selected for the Srixon Academy at New Zealand Golf. He was a natural talent and, in many ways, a man among boys. Foxy came striding into the room, made good eye contact and shook your hand firmly. He knew who he was and was comfortable in himself.
He was always great to be around. He had played every sport under the sun growing up, his family’s athletic pedigree was obvious, and he was one of the most competitive people you could meet.
We had great table tennis battles at Golf New Zealand when he came in to catch up with our high-performance manager, Gregg Thorpe. When Foxy got it right, his forehand winner went past you like a bullet.
Anyone following his career has known for some time he was destined
for big things. I reckon his win at Wentworth for the BMW International three years ago was huge for his belief. He got up and down for birdie on the final hole to beat a world class field and realised that when everything came together, he could win the biggest events. As he would say, saying it and doing it are two different things. Golf history is full of players with huge talent — Rickie Fowler, Colin Montgomerie, Tommy Fleetwood, Luke Donald and many others — who have excelled on the world stage without winning a major.
Fox’s win was his first top 10 finish in a major championship. His third-round 62 equalled the lowest score ever shot at The Open Championship, and when he had the chance to win, he did not flinch. He kept attacking right to the final green. That is remarkable.
He is still only 39, so another major is possible. If that happens, he could surpass Sir Bob Charles and Michael Campbell and become New Zealand’s greatest men’s professional golfer. But that is for the future. Right now, it is time to celebrate one of the finest sporting achievements this country has witnessed.
The name Ryan Fox will forever be etched into the Claret Jug as the 2026 Champion Golfer of the Year. It could not have gone to a nicer or more deserving guy.
The remarkable Mr Fox — champion extraordinaire
By Neville Idour
What can one say that hasn’t been said?
The accolades have been pouring in since proud Kiwi lightning Ryan Fox sank that lengthy final putt on the 18th at Royal Birkdale to join Sir Bob Charles as a champion of The Open.
What a roller coaster ride it was as Fox emerged from oblivion after round one in 85th place. Then he just made the weekend and would then produce the largest ever 36-hole comeback by position to win in a men’s major champion.
In fact he is just the second golfer outside of the world’s top 50 ranked players to win a major championship in the last 15 years. His best finish at The Open in nine previous attempts had been 16th. Add to that before round three began his chance of success was razor thin according to bookmakers. Some had him at 750-1. A stray dollar or two would have brought rich rewards.
Fox’s brilliant third round 62 rocketed him up the leaderboard into the final
grouping for the fourth round with Sam Burns. For 12 holes the battle raged with Fox tantalisingly close to the lead along with several others including Scottie Scheffler lurking ever threateningly. However come hole 13 and the Fox would show his fighting qualities and produce one of the finest closing six holes in major history.
He would reel off birdie, birdie, bogey, birdie, par, birdie. His bogey on 15 was remarkable as he had a wretched lie in a bunker forcing him to play away from the green, bringing double bogey into play. An excellent recovery and putt saved a bogey. So it would all come down to his final 11 foot putt which he would face after Sam Burns had putted out. In typical Fox fashion he took just 22 seconds from the time Burns putt dropped to sink his. Extraordinary! Fox may well become known as the 22 second man.
Fox showed a steel like temperament when it mattered most and coupled with his no nonsense fast play it was mesmerising to watch him go about his business. However his, at times cavalier, attitude
has not happened naturally since childhood or as an adult. His performance coach since 2019, Karl Morris has had a significant role to play with their weekly work. Morris has an impressive portfolio having worked with Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Ian Woosnam, Paul McGinley and others.
Before The Open began, Morris talked with Fox and caddie Dean Smith and gave some guidance. He suggested that Smith should take a back seat in helping Fox with his shots and stick to providing cold hard facts. He didn’t want Smith suggesting that Fox should do this or do that when Fox saw it differently, otherwise Fox would end up with mixed messages blurring his vision of what to do.
So Smith would just get to the shot and give Fox the necessary facts and data such as distance, wind direction and velocity, pin position, green slopes and then ask Fox what shot he was going to play.
Morris said: “That way he’s got a really clear intention of what he’s trying to do, but he also owns the whole process and
won’t end up saying why did you say this or why tell me to hit eight iron?”
The common sense of this approach was all confirmed on the final hole when Fox said he would play the hole to win The Open not end up in a playoff — and so it proved.
Coming back to those final six holes, the progression, round by round was interesting. He parred all six in round one, had a solitary bogey in round two. In round three he hit his hopples with three birdies and added the coup de gras in the final round with four birdies and a bogey.
Not surprisingly most golf pundits rated this the best of the four majors in 2026 with Fox receiving so much praise, not just for his win, but for the way he plays the game. His caddie Smith rates him “Probably the fastest player in the world.”
In a world where golf can sometimes seem to be agonisingly slow at times and getting worse, Fox’s open victory was like a huge breath of fresh air.
Stories from The Open
By Neville Idour
Fox’s bounty
Ryan Fox’s sensational win resulted in a golfer’s treasure chest of goodies. So let’s lift the lid and see what’s inside.
First and foremost he has the Claret Jug trophy to take home for a year until next year’s, along with a replica for his trophy cabinet.
Next it’s an Abba chorus of money, money, money to the tune of $US3.2 million, although the tax man will take a healthy $US1,440,000. His caddie received 10 per cent of the balance, after tax, of $US176,000. So it’s almost a case of now you see it, now you don’t as his take home pay is under $US1.6 million, and that is before travel expenses. His overall total winnings on the Challenge Tour, DP World Tour and PGA Tour are now $US20,312,528.
His Presidents Cup place in the international team looks secure for this year’s event against the United States. After previous captain Trevor Immelman unfairly excluded Fox from the previous event, that looks most unlikely to happen again. Hopefully Immelman won’t be around.
Fox’s win has given him an exemption into The Open until he is aged 55. He also has a five-year exemption into all major championships plus the Players’ Championship. He earned 100 official world ranking points, moving him up to 22nd, plus 600 FedEx Cup points taking him to 21st.
The future looks rosy for Fox and we can look forward to seeing much more of him on the telecasts of tournaments he plays. Commentators love him for his no nonsense, get on with it approach to the game and so do we.
Great open on many counts
The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale will rank as one of the best for many reasons. The knife edge drama and excitement throughout the final round stole the show. With the majorless four of Young, Burns, Kim and Fox plus the lurking Scheffler all in with a sniff of victory it was compelling viewing. Fox was an immensely popular winner with the crowd celebrating his winning putt as if he was one of their own.
The course played it’s part as it was a perfect test for the world’s best players. Ball striking and accuracy were paramount with the links playing firm and fast and has there been a more well bunkered course in recent times? Fox’s tee shot on the 17th in the final round said it all. His “safe” option with
an iron still carried over 300 yards and then trickled into a bunker. The players’ skills were tested to the limit which made for great theatre.
The weather also came to the party ensuring the course played as a true links should. The fans were outstanding showing respect to the players. Overall, as an advertisement for the best of golf in the United Kingdom, it doesn’t get any better.
DeChambeau is top of the pops
Love him or not (some would say hate) but I don’t think that is appropriate in this setting of golf, it cannot be denied he is compelling viewing.
The Open was always going to be a test for him to make his first major championship cut for 2026. From the moment he arrived at Royal Birkdale for the final round he was in his groove of interacting with the fans.
As he went from the clubhouse to the driving range to prepare for his round, he signed autographs and posed for selfies with young fans who could hardly believe their eyes as he did so.
“C’mon Bryson” was the shout as he made tracks to the first tee. This would be a cry for the next five hours. There was the occasional sarcastic remark referring to his penalty in the second round, like “He’s coming round to do the back garden next week.”
“Cheat, cheat, cheat” under the breath of one spectator was the worst.
There was nothing much to write home about with eight pars then a bogey on No 9 in the final round. His second triple bogey of the week on the 11th finally scuppered his chances. But through it all his crowd, one of the largest, never dwindled.
“If he can just birdie every hole coming in, maybe eagle the par five” said one hanging on to hope. Some would say it was blind optimism.
As he walked to the 15th tee he made a beeline for a group of young fans lining the rope and it was high fives for all, with huge smiles all round.
“You’re a class act, Bryson” said one older fan and who would deny that? He finished his round on the 18th to warm applause, then he stopped to sign his ball and his glove for two young fans in the grandstand. Next he went over to a group of kids on the clubhouse patio for another round of high fives and finally it was kisses blown towards the grandstand.
He may be an outstanding golfer, but he is relatable and down to earth
like his fans and to them he is the people’s champ and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Montgomery slams slow play
At the 1971 Open Championship the winner Lee Trevino completed his rounds in under four hours, playing in a three ball group, whereas today a two ball can take five hours and 40 minutes.
Colin Montgomerie didn’t mince words: “Last night it was five hours 40 minutes. My god it goes on forever. TV hates it. Spectators hate it. The chat between player and caddie is too long. The book comes out. How many times do they get the bloody book out? Once the ball is placed on the green it should not be marked again, and don’t talk to me about aim point. Slow play does my head in.”
Montgomerie is spot on regarding the involvement of caddies. They don’t just carry clubs. They help plan every shot, consult yardage books for distances, hazards, green layouts and slopes. The R&A has a pace of play policy but in practise it seems to be never implemented.
Fan behaviour wildly different
to US Open
It is hard to forget the boorish fan behaviour at the US Open.
However the atmosphere and fan behaviour at Royal Birkdale could hardly have been more different. One Golf Monthly reporter said the atmosphere was fantastic as the bubbling excitement built throughout the day.
The galleries were silent and respectful as shots were played. Despite alcohol being served, people were in good spirits and enjoying the company of others along with the golf. However alcohol was banned in the grandstands and this was a very good move. The fan zones had a very social feel and the big screens kept fans up to date with the golf.
The wonderful fans were a definite standout. Wyndham Clark, who was despicably treated at the US Open, was clapped and cheered on the 18th green as if he was a local lad. It didn’t matter who they were — amateur, professional, big name, relatively unknown — the crowd gave them their support and a pat on the back. The fans showed it is not difficult to be good, nice and respectful while enjoying one of golf’s greatest events.
The 154th Open: Third biggest UK event
The 2026 Open Championship drew
an attendance of 306,000, surpassing the Royal Ascot race meeting. It sits third behind the British Grand Prix and Wimbledon, remembering Wimbledon runs for two weeks. One sticking point for some is that apart from daily highlights on the BBC, viewers need to pay Sky TV to watch the live action daily.
The feeling is the R&A is missing potential golfers by not reaching as many people and households with live coverage as possible. You Tube and social media is not really an example of huge reach.
Kobori’s fine open effort
In all the accolades for the remarkable Ryan Fox win at The Open Championship the fine, consistent play by Kazuma Kobori of Canterbury became somewhat lost in translation. His first two rounds of 70 and 69 had him reasonably placed in the top half of the cut survivors. However his excellent third round 67 had him flirting with the top 10. However he had to battle in the final round for a 72 which left him in a tie 28th.
It still represented a fine effort, especially looking at the quality of players who finished behind him. He banked a healthy $US102,817 for his work.
No faffing about by Fox
One of the classic reports about Ryan Fox and his ground breaking victory came from the British radio’s 5 Live editor who walked with the final group. He said that Fox proved “you can win The Open without all the faffing about. It was a joy to walk all 18 holes of Sunday’s final round with Fox and Burns playing at such a brisk pace.”
“See shot, hit shot” Fox told BBC Sport.
Fox played with Scottie Scheffler earlier in the year at Phoenix in the three ball on Saturday and said “We walk off the ninth tee and he goes Foxy, it doesn’t even feel like you’re in the group. It feels like we are playing a two ball, you hit it so fast.”
Fox’s response is simple “The less time I have to think about it the less bad stuff can creep in there.”
Of course Fox is simply exceptional and it would be unrealistic to expect other players to match his pace. But there are plenty of slow coaches, the likes of Patrick Cantlay for whom the 40 seconds, 50 if you are first to play, limit for hitting is often or always ignored, without penalty. It is time such antics are penalised and many players try harder to follow the example of the remarkable Mr Fox.
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New Zealand Women’s Open returns after a 10-year hiatus
Dame Lydia Ko headlines the return of the New Zealand Women’s Open next March after a hiatus of 10 years.
The New Zealand Women’s Open was last played in 2017 when it was held at Windross Farm in Auckland. Brooke Henderson, of Canada, was the winner.
Next year’s event, from March 18-21, will be held at Wainui Golf and Function Centre, north of Auckland.
Ko, who has won the tournament three times in 2013, 2015 and 2016, said she was delighted to be returning home.
“Playing in front of a home crowd in New Zealand is always something really special to me, and I’m thrilled the New Zealand Women’s Open is back,” Ko said.
“I grew up on the North Shore, so to have an event of this calibre at Wainui, just up the road, makes it feel even more like home.”
The open is being co-sanctioned by the Ladies’ European Tour (LET) and Women’s PGA Tour of Australasia and that also delights Ko.
“To return with the strength of the Ladies European Tour and WPGA Tour of Australasia behind it is fantastic for the game here, and I can’t wait to tee it
up in March,” Ko said.
The tournament also has the support of New Zealand Major Events and Auckland Council events.
There will be a welcome event on March 16 and a pro-am on March 17 followed by four days of championship golf.
The championship will feature a 132-player field competing for a purse of €400,000 ($NZ808,000). In keeping with the event’s role in nurturing home-grown talent, Golf New Zealand has secured places in the field for some of New Zealand’s very best young amateurs and professionals, who are not already exempt, including the winner of the New Zealand Maori Golf Association Nationals Wahine title, ensuring the country’s emerging players share the fairways with established international stars.
It also opens an opportunity for alumni from the Lydia Ko scholarship mentorship programme to join the field, including LET players Amelia Garvey and Momoka Kobori, Epson Tour’s Fiona Xu and NCAA collegiate players Vivian Lu and Eunseo Choi.
The championship will be broadcast on Saturday and Sunday to 94 international markets, including New Zealand, showcasing Wainui Golf and Function
Centre and New Zealand golf to a global audience.
LET chief executive Tom Phillips said:
“We are delighted to welcome the New Zealand Women’s Open back to the Ladies European Tour schedule after a ten-year hiatus.
“This announcement underlines our commitment to collaborating with valued partners to offer global opportunities to the world’s best players, whilst inspiring future generations to take up the game. New Zealand has a proud history of producing world class talent and passionate, knowledgeable golf fans.
“We look forward to bringing a truly international field of competitors to Wainui and Function Centre to celebrate and showcase elite women’s golf on the global stage.”
The championship’s return also marks a significant moment for the WPGA Tour of Australasia, which welcomes the New Zealand Women’s Open back onto its schedule for the first time since 2017. WPGA Tour of Australasia chief executive Karen Lunn welcomed the announcement.
Lunn said: “We are delighted to have the NZ Women’s Open, presented by Craigs Investment Partners, back on our WPGA Tour schedule for the first time since 2017.
“It is going to be such a great treat for our members to return to Auckland to compete in the tournament next year, and in particular for them to have the opportunity to play alongside Lydia and a quality field of international players from the Ladies European Tour.
“Wainui Golf and Function Centre will be an incredible host venue for the tournament, and I am sure the crowds will be out in force to get a glimpse of a true icon of New Zealand sport, who first held the NZ Women’s Open trophy aloft as a 15-year-old back in 2013.
“We are most grateful to Golf New Zealand for their commitment to this tournament and to all of the event partners and sponsors for their role in bringing it to fruition.”
The return of the New Zealand Women’s Open also reflects the government’s growing investment in attracting world-class international events to Aotearoa, with the championship’s live broadcast to international markets offering significant exposure for the country as a visitor destination.
Minister for tourism and hospitality, Louise Upston, welcomes the announcement and the economic and tourism benefits a global, internationally televised event of this scale brings to Auckland and the wider country.
The Wainui Golf Club, north of Auckland, where the New Zealand Women’s Open will be played next March.
Another shot of the Wainui Golf Club on Auckland’s North Shore.
“Support from the Government’s Major Events Fund reflects the wider value of events like this,” Upston said.
“Alongside attracting visitors to see Dame Lydia Ko compete in Auckland, the broadcast coverage will showcase our spectacular golf courses and landscapes to global audiences, reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class golfing destination.”
Already a major partner of Golf New Zealand, the New Zealand Open and She Loves Golf, Craigs Investment Partners plays an important role in supporting participation and growing the game across the country. Becoming presenting partner of the New Zealand Women’s Open is a natural extension of that commitment, strengthening its support of women’s golf while helping inspire more women and girls to discover the game.
Craigs Investment Partners chief wealth & markets officer, Jeremy Williamson, said the partnership reflected the growing role women play in both golf and in Craigs’ own client base.
Said Williamson: “We’re proud to become presenting partner of the New Zealand Women’s Open. Through She Loves Golf we already see, week in and week out, just how quickly women are taking up this game, and this event gives that momentum a worthy stage.
“Golf has always been a place where
relationships are built and confidence grows and we can’t think of a better way to back that than standing behind Dame Lydia Ko and the next generation of players coming through behind her.”
For Golf New Zealand, the return of the championship is about far more than four days of elite competition. It sits at the heart of the organisation’s ambition to grow the women’s game across the country.
Golf New Zealand chief executive Jeff Latch said: “At Golf New Zealand we have set ourselves a goal of doubling the number of women and girls playing golf in this country, and events like this are exactly how we get there.
“There is nothing quite like seeing the best players in the world up close; watching how they carry themselves, how they compete, and we know that for a young girl standing greenside at Wainui, that experience can be the spark that starts a lifelong love of the game.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our own players, from our leading professionals to the amateurs in the field, to test themselves against the very best in the world right here at home. Competing on this stage, in front of New Zealand crowds, is exactly the kind of experience that helps develop the next generation of talent. We can’t wait to welcome the field, and the fans, to Wainui in March.”
As the region’s cultural, events and des-
tination agency, Tataki Auckland Unlimited, on behalf of Auckland Council, has played a key role in bringing the championship to Auckland, recognising the value a globally televised event of this scale delivers for the city, from visitor spend and international profile to inspiring participation in the game.
Deputy mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, said: “We’re proud to support the return of the New Zealand Women’s Open to Auckland through Auckland Council Events. With international broadcast coverage and one of the world’s best players returning home, it’s a great chance to showcase Tamaki Makaurau as a premium golf destination.
“It’s also an opportunity to inspire more people, especially women and girls, to give golf a go by seeing the world’s best compete right here in Auckland.”
The 2027 staging marks the first year of a four-year event agreement between the partners, securing the championship’s place on the calendar through to 2030. But the ambition behind its return stretches well beyond that horizon, with Golf New Zealand and its partners sharing a vision for the New Zealand Women’s Open to become an enduring fixture on the national sporting calendar for generations to come.
The championship will also mark a milestone for the host venue. While
Wainui Golf and Function Centre previously staged the 2018 Rebel Sport Masters on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the 2027 New Zealand Women’s Open will be by far the biggest tournament in the club’s history.
Tournament history
The New Zealand Women’s Open was first contested in 2009 on the ALPG Tour, with France’s Gwladys Nocera winning the inaugural edition at Clearwater. It became a co-sanctioned event on the Ladies’ European Tour the following year, with England’s Laura Davies taking the 2010 title at Pegasus, followed by Australians Kristie Smith in 2011 and Lindsey Wright in 2012.
The championship’s most enduring storyline, however, belongs to Ko, who announced herself on the world stage by winning the title three times in four years — in 2013, 2015 and 2016 — the first of those as a 15-year-old amateur and the last as the world’s top-ranked player, becoming the first to successfully defend the crown.
In 2017 the event reached new heights when it was co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour for the first time and staged at Windross Farm in Auckland, with a prize fund of $US1.85 million and a 132-player field featuring eight major champions, hosted by Ko herself.
Is there a better day out than heading north to play Mangawhai and Waipu Golf Clubs? Probably not. Add in the hidden gem of Northland Golf Club and it became a special escape with the lads before a memorable family break in one of the best regions in Aotearoa.
Golf, family and the magic of the winterless north
By Peter Thornton
One of the hardest things about taking the family away on a golf trip is the waiting. Golfers can disappear for five hours at a time, returning full of stories about near-birdies, lost balls and putts that should have dropped.
Meanwhile, my wife has spent the day juggling three rowdy kids at our accommodation and could not care less that I might have broken 90 but for a couple of three-putts on the back nine.
So last year we tried a different approach. I headed away a day early, played as much golf as the body could handle with a few mates, and then the family arrived the following afternoon, when the clubs would take a back seat and the real holiday would begin. It worked beautifully. The golf had its own space, and when the kids arrived, I was ready to be present rather than wondering if I could squeeze in another nine holes.
This year we repeated the formula in Whangarei Heads and Mangawhai, a part of Aotearoa that is right
on our doorstep but still feels like an escape. Even in the middle of winter, Northland has a generosity about it: the light, the coastline, the native bush and the slower pace of life all make it easy to unwind.
The plan was ambitious: three rounds of golf in two days, followed by a family weekend built around good food, beautiful accommodation, time on the ocean and a bit of exploring around Mangawhai. The courses were Mangawhai, Waipu and Northland — three very different layouts that together offered a brilliant snapshot of golf in the winterless north.
Day one: chasing the sun north
It was a slightly mad idea to fit two rounds into the first day, but golf trips have a way of making bad ideas sound perfectly reasonable. The alarm went off in the dark and we met at 6am for the drive north. Making the trip were good mates James Dunlop, Warren Marshall and Blair Franklin.
We had not been away together as a group before, but good people and golf tend to build friendships quickly.
When we jumped into Jimmy’s car at the Auckland suburb of Millwater, there was a proper sense of anticipation: a couple of days away from it all, a lot of golf ahead and no shortage of friendly competition.
We were all enthusiastic amateurs. Warren, who hits the ball a country mile, and Blair play off 14 handicaps, while Jimmy and I were 22 and 25 respectively. The losers of each match would take care of the postround beers.
Ahead of the trip we were fortunate to be sent golf shirts from Bay of Islands clothing company Kaleo. Their fabric prints begin as original works of New Zealand art, created in collaboration with local artists. I went for the Puarangi design, Jimmy wore Silver Fern, Warren had Kowhaiwhai and Blair had the new Takarangi. We looked like golfers. Now it was time to play.
Round one: Mangawhai Golf Club
Our first stop was Mangawhai Golf Club, rated the 32nd best layout in the country in the 2026 New Zealand
golf rankings. For game one, Blair and I teamed up against Jimmy and Warren for the early bragging rights.
Mangawhai is one of those places that seems to become more loved every year. It has the surf, the estuary, the cafés, the coastal walks, the holiday homes tucked into the hills and, importantly, a golf course that fits the place beautifully. It has an easy charm, but there is still plenty of bite in the layout.
I love the Mangawhai Golf Club. It is a brilliant layout and, from the blue tees, one of the best tests in the region. It had been a few years since I last played there, and it has only improved with age.
The par four second hole is a great example: 387 metres, a demanding tee shot to the corner and then an approach of about 150 metres to a well-guarded green. It fully deserves its stroke one status.
The third is another terrific tee shot. From the blues you stand on an elevated tee and need to clear the tea trees to find a hidden fairway below. Hole five, Pipi Smith, is a dogleg left par four with trouble on both sides.
The beautiful setting of the Mangawhai Golf Club in Northland.
The front nine finishes with a tough par five up the hill, aptly called Tipperary, and the back nine has more magic, including the par five 12th and the drop-hole par three 13th.
It is not just weekend hackers who rate it. Mark Brown, a European Tour winner and one of our finest ball-strikers, first played Mangawhai in the early 1990s and returned recently.
“It is awesome,” he said. “The course is so well prepared and looked after with such scenic and unique holes. I loved it so much I went back again for another hit the next morning, this time playing the back tees which changed the course again. It is wonderful and I highly recommend to any golfer.”
A special mention, too, for the upcoming par three 11th, changed from a par four after wayward tee shots were finding the road. The new hole shapes as one of the most interesting short holes
in the country.
On No 16, Warren holed a 40-foot birdie putt to get his team back into the match. Blair and I held a one up lead down the last, but Jimmy and Warren staged a great comeback to halve it, with Jimmy making an improbable par with a three wood from the wilderness. Warren and I also halved the three-hole challenge over the final three holes, with shots given. We all agreed we would love to return to Mangawhai and take on the new 11th when it is in play.
Round two: Waipu Golf Club
After a quick bite at the superb Waipu Golf Club café, we were back in the carts and on the first tee. The blue skies had clouded over, and the wind had picked up, perfect conditions to experience Waipu, with its proud Scottish heritage and genuine links feel.
If the first round had been about easing
into the trip, the second was about stamina. Thirty-six holes in a day sounded heroic in the group chat, but it felt very different standing on the first tee again with a swing and back that had already clocked a full shift.
Waipu is one of the most treasured layouts in Northland, and for good reason. The scenery, conditioning and layout are outstanding. It was ranked the 22nd best layout in Aotearoa in the 2026 New Zealand golf rankings, and it holds that place comfortably. Like Mangawhai, the greens were pure.
Together, Mangawhai and Waipu — along with their high-profile neighbours at Te Arai Links — make this region a must-visit for golfers. When I posted on New Zealand Golf Course Reviews asking for suggestions, the message was overwhelming: do not come to this part of the world and drive past Waipu. They were right.
For round two, James and I took on the lower handicappers, Blair and Warren. There is a string of excellent holes at Waipu. The front nine comes alive at the testing par three fourth, which heads straight out towards the ocean. The fifth and sixth are short par fours, both 278 metres, but offer completely different challenges alongside the coastline.
Almost every hole offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. On the back nine, the par four 11th hugs the coast before you tee off near the beach on the par five 12th. Into the wind, it seems to go forever and demands three good shots to make the dance floor.
The par threes are a feature. Perhaps the best is the 13th, played from the top of a hill to a sloping green that becomes treacherous in the wind. The bunkering from 15 to 18 is also superb, with the newest traps shaped
with small steps into them, just like the best courses in the United Kingdom that host The Open.
For the record, Blair and Warren won 2 and 1, and Warren claimed the threehole challenge with a superb par on the 18th. It was hard to take, but there was one more challenge waiting in the morning.
By the end of the day, we had played a lot of golf, laughed plenty and built up a serious appetite.
Settling into McLeod’s Pizza Barn and Brewery in Waipu was a beautiful feeling. Soon the table was full of pizzas — Longboarder, Cooper and Globetrotter among them — and the McLeod’s Mountains Are Calling NZ IPA was a perfect way to toast the first day.
Ara Roa Lodges and the Cliff House
Checking into Ara Roa Lodges in the dark felt like reaching the promised land. We were given the Cliff House, and it was a magic spot. The lodges are superbly set up for a trip like this, with large, comfortable rooms and a big open plan living area. It was the sort of place you could happily stay for a week, not just one night.
After hot showers and fresh clothes, we settled in for a card game of 500 over a bottle of Central Otago pinot noir and some chocolate. It was a fitting end to an epic day.
We did not know it, but when we woke the next morning, we were perched above a view that took your breath away: the Pacific Ocean, the beach and the cove below glowing in the early light. It was reminiscent of Kauri Cliffs and as we packed up the car I vowed, I would come and stay here another time for a decent stint.
The sun setting over the clubhouse at the Mangawhai Golf Club.
The beautiful Waipu Golf Club in Northland. The green of the par four 10th in the foreground, the par 3 17th behind that, and in the distance, Waipu Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Benjamin Brook.
The par four 18th at Waipu Golf Club is a great finishing hole. It measures 343m from the blue tees and plays into the prevailing wind.
Day two: Northland Golf Club
Early on Friday morning we were up and ready for the final match of the whistle-stop golf tour. Three rounds in two days is a fair effort, and the body was beginning to protest. But there is always energy for the last round of a trip, especially when the destination is somewhere new.
Northland Golf Club is one of those classic regional layouts that immediately makes you feel welcome. The course sits on undulating land with views of Mt Parakiore and Mt Hurupaki, surrounded by native bush and
birdlife. This part of Northland is also famous for producing All Black 902 Ian Jones, nicknamed Kamo, one of our finest test locks.
I was pleasantly surprised by how good Northland Golf Club is. The conditioning was strong, and it is a fun layout. For the final round, Warren and I teamed up and never looked like losing. We won 6 and 4 on the back of Warren’s big ball striking and the occasional contribution from me.
There is a great stretch of holes midway through the front nine. The Wrecker is a dogleg par four that climbs to an
elevated green, the fifth is a 145-metre par three called Drop Hole where par is a decent score and then come two testing par fours to finish the nine. The seventh seems to go on forever and the ninth is a long and demanding.
The back nine has several holes that stay in the memory. The 12th is a long par three from the blue tees, and the 13th asks you to fire through a narrow gap to a hidden fairway before trying to find a small green. A creek runs down the right, adding a soft soundtrack to the challenge.
Northland finishes with a fun
stretch: the tight par three 16th, the par five 17th and an easier par three to close. Blair made a final up and down on the last to finish all square in the three-hole challenge with Warren, who then won in a playoff on the practice green.
After the final putt dropped, the boys’ golf tour was done. There were handshakes, final sledging and the satisfaction of packing a lot of living into a short window. Then the gear was loaded, the scorecards were forgotten, and the trip changed shape.
The par five fourth at the Northland Golf Club is a good chance for birdie early in your round. You hit from an elevated tee and the hole measures 429m from the blue tees.
The boys enjoying the Northland Golf Club – From left to right Warren Marshall, Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton, Blair Franklin and James Dunlop.
The Ridge Mangawhai: family time begins
The Ridge Mangawhai was our home for the next two days, and it is the sort of place you want to take your family. Our villa had space, style, privacy and the kind of outlook that makes everyone pause when they first walk in. After the busyness of the golf schedule, it felt like a retreat.
There is an art to great family accommodation. It has to be comfortable enough for everyone to spread out, practical enough for the usual chaos of bags and wet towels, and special enough that the kids know they are somewhere memorable. The Ridge managed all of that, and my wife tells me there were shrieks of delight when the kids chose their beds for the weekend.
That evening we made our way to the Mangawhai Tavern, a great place for dinner and a pint. I have been there many times over the years for some of New Zealand’s best music acts, and this time it was a chance to catch up with my family over a burger, chips and a Guinness. Back at the villa, with the kids asleep, it was wonderful to sit in the spa, take in the clear night sky and enjoy the quiet.
Day three: out on the ocean
On Saturday morning the alarm went off in the dark and the villa soon descended into chaos as everyone got ready for the drive north. The big activity was with Dive Tutukaka at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. You cannot come to this part of Aotearoa and not get out on the ocean, and it did not disappoint.
On the way out to the islands, the rain was coming down, the sea was lively and the kids huddled in tight. My wife gave me the look that suggested the day could turn into a disaster. But as we arrived at the Poor Knights, the sea settled, the sun came out and it was time to explore.
The kids never need a second invitation to get into the water, and when the chance came to snorkel in wetsuits, they were off the back of the boat in a flash. It was cold, but being surrounded by snapper, blue maomao and kingfish was something special. They might forget the details, but they will remember the feeling of jumping into the ocean and
seeing another world beneath them. Back on the boat, we warmed up with hot chocolates and let the experience sink in. Kevin was the ideal tour guide — warm, knowledgeable and down to earth — and he even let Charlie drive the boat for part of the way home. We had the youngest kids on a vessel full of experienced divers, but they handled it well.
Back on dry land, we stopped at the Ruakaka Tavern for dinner. I had barbecue pork ribs with coleslaw and fries, which hit the spot. Next door, the pub was full as Will Jordan became the All Blacks’ record try scorer in the 47-17 win over Italy in Wellington.
Day four: cliffs, history and heading home
We woke on the final morning, and no one wanted to go home. It was paradise, no matter the season. There was time for a sauna, spa and slow breakfast before the inevitable packing began. Leaving The Ridge was emotional because it had been one of the best places we have stayed as a family.
Our final day started at Mangawhai Museum, where you can learn the history of
the region and be reminded that every holiday place has layers. Beneath the beaches, cafés and holiday homes are stories of settlement, industry, community and change, including the infamous Mangawhai Big Dig. The museum was interactive and fun for the kids, and they were quickly engrossed in the games and challenges. We could have stayed longer, but down the road Blair and his family were waiting to walk the Mangawhai Cliff Walk with us. On a balmy Sunday afternoon, it was an idyllic place to be. The views from the ridgeline down to the white sand and sparkling blue water were breathtaking. It is a brilliant thing to do with kids. Get them off devices and into nature and something changes almost immediately. They notice things, ask questions and become engrossed in the bush, the rocks, the track and the views. The walk had just enough adventure to keep everyone interested.
The best of both worlds
By the time we reached the final lunch, the kids’ big feelings told us it was time to go home. The trip had delivered exactly what we had hoped for.
The golf had been full-on and memorable. Mangawhai, Waipu and Northland Golf Club all offered something different, and playing them back-toback made for a fantastic challenge. The boys’ trip had all the ingredients: early starts, good courses, plenty of laughs, a bit of competition and moments everyone could be proud of.
But the family part of the holiday made it complete. The Ridge Mangawhai gave us a beautiful base, the Poor Knights gave the kids an ocean adventure, and the cliff walk reminded us that some of the best family memories are made outside, making the most of our beautiful country. That is the beauty of Northland. It can be a golf destination, a food and wine escape, a family adventure, a coastal retreat, or all those things in one trip. It is close enough to reach without too much planning, but far enough away to feel like you have properly left the everyday behind.
Northland had given us three rounds of golf, a spectacular marine adventure, family time, great food, fresh air and memories that will outlast the scorecards. You cannot ask for much more from a few days away.
Mangawhai Beach – for the cliff walk
Adam Scott: 101 majors in a row and first winner of spirit of golf award
Adam Scott has been recognised for his significant impact on golf across the world by being presented with the inaugural spirit of golf award which is presented by The R&A.
The award has been introduced to recognise an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the game on a global scale and displays the values, behaviours and traditions inherent to golf.
At last month’s British open, Scott was honoured to reflect the Australian’s impact in helping to grow the sport at home and abroad. A truly international player, Scott is a huge supporter of the global game and an outstanding role model for the values of golf.
In the open at Royal Birkdale in England, Scott fired a closing four-under 66 to finish tied ninth in what was his 101st consecutive appearance in a major championships having reached the century milestone at the previous month’s US Open – joining Jack Nicklaus as the only players to achieve the feat.
The Adelaide-born player, who turned 46 last month, is a one-time major winner after his success at the Masters Tournament in 2013. He was runner-up at The Open in 2012.
The former world number one has been a regular performer at the highest level, enjoying 32 wins worldwide, and consistently exemplifying the values which underpin the new award.
Scott, who was presented with a beautifully de-
signed silver plate at a reception to mark the award, said: “I am honoured to be the first recipient of the new R&A spirit of golf award.
“As someone who has spent my entire life in the game of golf it is so meaningful to be recognised for my impact on golf across the world, not only from a playing point of view but for also upholding values which are so integral to the sport.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing in 100 consecutive major championships. It has been a privilege and is something I’ll never take for granted.”
Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We are delighted to introduce The R&A spirit of golf award to acknowledge service and impact on golf on a global scale. It celebrates and underlines the importance of the spirit of the game by recognising an individual who reflects the values, behaviours and traditions of golf.
“As a great ambassador for the sport who has made a significant positive impact on golf globally, Adam exemplifies those values. He is the ultimate professional and has consistently displayed integrity, respect and passion for the game, while helping golf continue to connect with a broad audience.”
The R&A spirit of golf award will be awarded annually to an individual, although in exceptional circumstances it may be awarded to a team or organisation. It is not restricted to amateurs or professionals and is not purely performance-based.
Adam Scott at the The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. A few days earlier he was awarded the inaugural R&A sprit of golf award. (Photo credit: Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
Following a New Zealander winning a major championship there is an expected boost to golf across the country. As the numbers increase, the Accident Compensation Corporated (ACC) is encouraging players to look after their bodies so they can be injury free and stay on the green.
Preventing injuries on the golf course
Ryan Fox made headlines last month when he became the second New Zealand male to win The Open Championship. The 39-year-old from Auckland birdied the final hole at Royal Birkdale to win by one stroke from American Cameron Young.
History shows – like when Michael Campbell won the US Open in 2005 holding off world No 1 Tiger Woods – that when a Kiwi golfer wins a major championship, it provides a big boost to golf memberships and casual rounds across the country.
Golf was one of the few sporting codes in New Zealand which continued to operate under covid-19 social movement restrictions – and as a result it attracted tens of thousands of new entrants into the game.
That spike in involvement has continued to grow in subsequent years and will only continue after Fox’s heroics. There are a record number of players of all ages and abilities now registered as being involved with the sport.
Golf club membership in New Zealand continues to show strong momentum, with total memberships reaching 162,698 in February, 2026.
As the game grows so too does the number of New Zealanders making an ACC claim for a golf related injury.
In 2025, ACC accepted 11,016 golf related injury claims at a cost of $13.9 million to
help people recover. This was the highest number of golf related injuries in the past six years (almost twice as many claims as 2020) and it cost a record amount to help people recover from these injuries.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said golf is a great sport for all ages, but he encouraged people to look after themselves and know their limits.
“The good news with golf injuries is they are predictable and therefore preventable,” Whitaker said.
“We know that golf plays an important role in connecting with the outdoors, keeping many New Zealanders active, and engaged with their community.
“We want players of all abilities to get out there and enjoy the game with their friends and family rather than being stuck at home on the couch with an injury.”
The regions with the highest number of golf related injuries in 2025 were Auckland (4,407 claims), Canterbury (1,300), Waikato (1,027) and Bay of Plenty (903).
A total of 94 percent of the injuries were soft-tissue injuries, and the most affected parts of the body were the lower back/ spine, shoulders and knees.
The age groups with the highest number of golf-related injuries were 60 – 64 years (1,227 claims), 65- 69 years (1,133) and 55-59 years (1,120). Males were al-
most three times as likely to have a golf injury than females.
Whitaker added: “Injuries could be happening because some golfers overestimate their ability and are trying things without learning correct technique first. They may be inspired by the pros on the PGA and simply ‘giving it a bash’.
“If you haven’t played golf in a while, we recommend easing into it and play within your limits so you can last the whole round.”
Whitaker encouraged all players to get to complete a dynamic warm up before starting their round. Like most sports, it is important to have a cool down following the round.
“Most people finish their round and then head straight for the 19th hole (clubhouse bar) but as you get older you wake up pretty sore the following morning.’’
Whitaker said lower back strains were common amongst golfers.
“So, if you are playing golf regularly, we would recommend getting into the gym to support your golf game. There is a huge amount of benefit to developing a strong core so you will be better equipped to handle the demands of the game.”
Whitaker said it is also important to consider safety on the golf course. From 2020–2025 a total of 1,196 New Zealanders had an ACC claim accepted for being
struck by a golf ball.
ACC accepted 259 claims for being struck by a golf ball in 2025, the highest for six years and almost twice the number of 2020 (163).
“It’s easy to get too relaxed on the golf course and if you get it wrong the consequences can be dire. Getting hit by a golf ball is a very painful and scary experience,’’ Whitaker said.
“So, we recommend golfers to slow down, stay behind their playing partners on every shot and be aware of what is happening around them.”
Golf New Zealand’s advice for staying safe of the golf course
1. As a player, only hit if you know the fairway is clear
2. If you hit a ball which may land close to other players, yell FORE
3. If you hear a call of fore, turn your back to the direction of the call and crouch down
4. When practical stay behind the person next to play
5. Beware of every shot being played in your group
6. Avoid standing in the shank position
7. If drinking alcohol on the course, take extra care as your judgment could be impaired
It’s not easy but Troy Hall wants to tell his story to help others. In 2011, his life changed in a moment when he was electrocuted by 110,000 volts while working in a high-risk environment. Hall is reminding New Zealanders to live in the present, and to always prioritise safety and wellbeing. A big part of his recovery has been falling in love with the game of golf. Troy tell his story.
Troy Hall: Golf is my escape from the chaos
Iam only just getting into golf, but already I understand why people fall for it.
There is something about walking onto a course, away from the noise and pressure of everyday life, that feels like an escape. For someone like me, who has known chaos for most of my life, that quiet matters. Out there, it
is just you, the ball, the next shot, and the challenge of keeping your mind steady enough to swing.
I am not a proper golfer yet. I do not have a handicap. Some days I would probably call myself a hacker more than anything else. But that is almost the point. Golf does not really care where you have come from or what
you have been through. It asks you to slow down, focus, control what you can control, and keep going after a bad shot. In that way, it has started to feel like another part of my recovery. When I am out there, I feel gratitude. I am grateful I can have a hit. I am grateful I can walk around a golf course. I am grateful for the people I
meet — relaxed, driven, switched-on people who are there for the same reason: to switch off, have a laugh, swing away with their mates and leave real life behind for a few hours.
That word – gratitude – has taken me a long time to learn.
I was 22 when I went up on a cherry picker in an avocado orchard in
Troy Hall and his daughter Nevaeh.
The clubhouse at Kapiti Golf Cub, north of Wellington, where Troy Hall plays his golf.
Tauranga and made a decision that changed my life forever. It was late in the day. I wanted to make a phone call, and there was no reception down below, so I took the machine up. At the time, it felt like nothing more than an impulsive choice — one of those little decisions you make without thinking too hard. But that moment put me in the path of 110,000volt power lines, and in an instant, everything I knew about my life was gone.
The theory is that the power lines ran through the trees and the trees touched my machine, creating an arc flash. It had been raining. I was on my phone. The electricity went through me twice. I do not remember the first strike at all. I just blacked out.
My father saw the whole thing. He said the first blast sounded like lightning hitting the ground, echoing through the orchard. By the time he raced towards me, the second strike had hit and my whole body was on fire. The first strike killed me. The second one brought me back. Even now, that feels surreal to say.
People sometimes ask what it felt like. During the accident itself, I felt nothing. It was numbness, blackout, then darkness. But the recovery — that was where the pain really began. Months later, once I came off heavy medication, the nerve pain arrived in full force. There are not many words for it. On a scale of one to 10, it felt like a thousand. It was relentless.
For a long time, I could not walk properly. I could not feed myself. I could not change myself. The most basic parts of being human, the things most of us never think
twice about, had to be relearned from scratch. When I look back now, what stands out most is how long and dark that road was. The first 11 years were brutally hard. There is no point sugarcoating that. I wanted to give up more times than I can count. The biggest turning point came three years after the accident, when I became a dad. My daughter gave me a reason to stay. She became my purpose, my anchor, my biggest achievement. She is now aged 12, and I can say without hesitation that she has kept me alive. If I have learned anything, it is that sometimes survival begins with finding just one thing to hold on to. For me, that was my girl.
These days, I try to focus on what remains, not only on what was taken. I can walk again. I can feed myself. I can change myself. I can live independently. I can be there for my daughter. Those things are not small. They are everything. Gratitude does not erase the pain, but it gives me somewhere to put my focus other than the darkness.
I have worked my way back into life in ways I once thought were impossible. I am playing sport again — touch, flag football, even masters rugby league. My body does not always agree with me, but I love being back out there. Golf is different. Rugby league was something I had always been decent at, something I could find my way back into. Golf is a totally different game, and that is why I think it is good for me. It gives me discipline. It tests my patience. It strengthens the mental side. Anyone who has played golf knows
how quickly a bad shot can get into your head. If your mindset is not right, one swing can affect the whole round — or the whole day. That is why I want to get better at it. Not just to hit the ball straighter, but to keep learning how to stay calm, reset, and carry on. And being able to play at places like Kapiti Golf Club, north of Wellington, is incredible – I am amazed at how good that golf course is and the challenge it presents.
I have also found purpose in speaking to others, sharing my story at conferences and workplaces, especially with young people starting out in dangerous jobs. If there is one thing I tell them, it is this: slow down. Think. Do not take a single moment for granted. One impulsive decision can change your life forever. I know that because it changed mine. My accident was preventable.
I have learned how important it is to reach out. For too long, I tried to do everything on my own. It took me years before I connected properly with other burn survivors, and I wish I had done it sooner. There is something powerful about being in a room with people who understand without you having to explain. That connection matters. So does support.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has been there for me from the very beginning — through treatment, psychologists, prosthetic support and all the practical things that help you rebuild a life. In a country like New Zealand, we are lucky to have that support, and I do not take it lightly.
I still have hard days. I still battle negativity. Recovery is not a straight line, and it does not end just because the scars fade. But I am here. I survived something that should have killed me. I fought my way through pain that felt unbearable. I built a life where I can stand on my own two feet, live independently, be a father, play sport, and give something back. Now, when I get out on a golf course, even as a beginner, I feel something I did not always believe I would find again: freedom. There is no chaos for a while. There is only the grass, the fresh air, the next shot, a bit of banter, and the reminder that I am still here, still learning, still swinging.
ACC – burns claims by the numbers
* In 2025, ACC accepted more than 20,000 burns-related injury claims which came at a cost of more than $40 million to help people recover.
* The age group with the highest number of burns-related injuries was 0–4 years (2570) ahead of 35-39 (1495) and 30–34 (1476).
* The regions with the highest number of burns-related injury claims in 2025 were Auckland (7046), Canterbury (2448), Waikato (2195) and Wellington (1573).
* The most likely place to sustain a burns-related injury in 2025 was in the home (15,416) commercial/service location (1,341), in an industrial place (685), at school (617) and sports and recreation (486).
Pegasus fight continues — 16,000 sign petition
By Neville Idour
The fight against opportunistic, brazen and unscrupulous property developer Wolfbrook Property Group has taken a major step forward with the Pegasus residents’ group presenting a petition to parliament, in person on the July 22 from the 4,000 Pegasus residents.
The petition, signed by more 16,000 people, aims to stop the fast track process from by passing the usual consenting process and the already designated green space that the golf course is.
The Waimakariri District Council has already done it’s future planning and it certainly doesn’t include, nor does it need, a greedy developer turning the world class golf course into a 1,000 home concrete jungle.
It has been reported that Wolfbrook could make
in excess of $400 million from it’s planned development. The opposition to Wolfbrook is universal when you consider the widespread opposition. Amberley Golf Club ran a fund raising tournament to assist the campaign, netting $3,000.
This whole debacle has much wider implications however. Fast track legislation is supposed to be there to facilitate relatively quick development of key critical infrastructure that New Zealand needs, not a back door entry for opportunistic housing developers to turn designated green space into concrete jungles.
If Wolfbrook succeeds it may well set a precedent for similar projects elsewhere in New Zealand, to destroy essential green spaces, and that would be sacrilege. The claim that Wolfbrook’s ambition will deliver significant regional benefits is more than questionable. The Waimakariri District mayor Dan Gordon is adamant that housing growth does not need Pegasus. Local member of parliament Matt Doocey is also firmly against it.
To make current matters worse Wolfbrook continues to stoop as low as you could imagine by trying to deny any access to the course by blocking paths and worse still, although hard to believe, filling in the holes on the greens with concrete.
To describe the concrete episode as unnecessary, antagonistic and childish is probably a massive understatement. It begs the question, what kind of mindsets drive Wolfbrook? Their brand which, now unfortunately also adorns Christchurch’s fine indoor arena in Addington, has been hugely damaged.
Passing it on to the council backed group who wish to buy it without seeking an immoral profit would seem to be the only way Wolfbrook can save face to any degree. The thousands of people living at Pegasus who were attracted by the open spaces, fresh air, lake and golf course deserve to enjoy the environment created by visionary Bob Robertson. Yes, they deserve much better than the current debacle.
Anna Nordqvist is all class
By Neville Idour
One of the most liked and classy ladies in women’s professional golf is Sweden’s Anna Maria Nordqvist. She will captain the 2026 European Solheim Cup team. Now aged 40 she has built an impressive record of achievements on the LPGA and Ladies’ European tours, headlined by three major championships. Extraordinarily, she is the only non American woman to have won majors in three different decades, with the 2009 LPGA Championship when just 22, the 2017 Evian Championship and The 2021 Women’s Open.
An impressive figure at 183cm (six feet) her career is marked by widespread ongoing success. She was a suc-
cessful amateur in both Europe and the United States winning many titles and accolades. She won the British Ladies’ Amateur in 2008 following being runner-up the previous two years.
She was a key member of winning Swedish teams at international events. She attended Arizona State University in 2007 and 2008, again winning various accolades. In December, 2008, she tied 25th at the LPGA final qualifier and turned professional following the final round. She joined the Ladies’ European Tour in January, 2009, after winning the final qualifier.
In only her fifth start on the LPGA Tour she won her first professional tournament and major, the LPGA Championship in Maryland in June, 2009, leading to her selection as a captain’s pick for the Solheim Cup. She won the LPGA Tour Championship for her second win that year. Rookie of the year for Europe and runner up in the LPGA completed the year. At the 2013 Solheim Cup she won a match with the first hole in one in Solheim Cup history.
At the end of May, 2015, she had her fifth win on the LPGA Tour. She lost the 2016 US Women’s Open after a rules violation touching the sand on the second of three playoff holes.
Winning The 2021 Open she became only the second golfer after Georgia Hall to win the R&A treble – the Girls Amateur, British Ladies Amateur and Women’s British open. In 2022 she won the Big Green Egg Open in The Netherlands her first win on the European tour outside of the majors. She was named Swedish golfer of the year in 2009, 2017 and 2021. Her overall record shows nine LPGA Tour wins, five European Tour wins and four
others.
She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, but life has been anything but perfect since marrying Kevin McAlpine in 2022. He won the Scottish Amateur in 2006 and played professionally till ditching it for a sales job until returning to golf as a caddie. He worked with Lexi Thompson from 2017 for 18 months.
McAlpine married Nordqvist in 2022, but in August 2023 they divorced. Then in mid October 2023 he suddenly died at just 39 years old while Nordqvist was playing at the BMW Championship in South Korea. She immediately flew home.
Apparently he had been unwell, although it was thought he was on the mend. It was devastating for Nordqvist and family. Nordqvist said: “Life is too short not to live life to the full. Kevin never drove at 30mph. Always remember the good times and memories. This year has been very hard, devastating and overwhelming.”
Nordqvist has leaned on her grandfather’s words during the most challenging times in her life, like these.
“Don’t give up” he would tell her as a young girl. She was buoyed by those words when she returned to golf.
“I’m not doing very well. It’s been a lot of ups and downs. Just trying to fight. I wanted to play and show I’m a fighter.”
Many fellow players were very supportive. So it has been good to see Nordqvist competing again and gaining her first top 10 in three years recently. The game is all the better for her presence and it would not surprise if the European Solheim Cup team are inspired by captain Anna Maria Nordqvist’s example and class.
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Anna Nordqvist, with the late Kevin McAlpine, poses with the trophy after winning The Women’s Open at Carnoustie in Scotland in 2021. (Photo credit The R&A)
World news in brief
By Neville Idour
Scheffler wants to play in New Zealand
Recent changes to the PGA Tour schedule has seen Scottie Scheffler say he was eager to play more internationally.
“I’m at a time in my life where I have a young family at home and young kids. I love golf and would love to be able to play more internationally, like Australia. New Zealand is a place we would love to be able to go. My wife has always wanted to go to New Zealand.”
Ryan Fox has had many requests to “get in his ear” and no doubt will encourage him to visit. But don’t expect him to feature at the New Zealand Open at Millbrook. It would more likely be a social visit like Rory McIlroy’s when he played at Tara Iti in Northland.
However, let’s face it, there are ample opportunities to play internationally if he genuinely wants to. Maybe it’s time for Scheffler to back up his words with real action.
Aaron Rai is Mr Nice Guy Englishman Aaron Rai’s PGA Championship win could not have been more popular.
Words like hardworking, humble, kind and nicest were just some of the compliments that showed why everyone one on the PGA and DP World tours love and respect him.
His kindness was evident when he encouraged struggling nine time DP World Tour winner Pablo Larrazabal, who had missed nine consecutive cuts in a difficult year.
At the Scottish Open he gave Pablo some pictures of him hoisting a trophy along with a note that said “The guy in this picture is you. Keep fighting, keep working hard and most importantly keep believing, in each tournament, round and shot. Best wishes, Aaron Rai.’’
Larrazabal said: “To receive a note like that makes me very happy that I’ve been doing the right things for the last 19 years. Aaron is a true champion.”
Scheffler first missed cut in 79 events
After rounds of 68, 72 Scottie Scheffler missed the cut at the Scottish Open last month, the first since August, 2022. Making 78 consecutive cuts was by far the longest active streak on tour and 51 longer than the next player.
Scheffler said: “I got off to a poor start and after that I didn’t hit it close
enough to give myself a bunch of looks. Yeah, that’s how you shoot over par.
Charley Hull royal invite to Wimbledon
Charley Hull enjoyed the privilege of an invite to the royal box at Wimbledon. She shared pictures of herself on social network Instagram which almost everyone loved except for one user who mocked Hull saying: “Scraping the barrel to fill seats inviting a no one in golf.”
Hull replied: “Number four in the world, maybe a no one but you still follow me.
“Golf clothes off, dress on and strawberries and cream in my belly. Loved spending the day at Wimbledon with my caddy Adam (Woodward). Always an honour to be invited to the royal box. Thanks for having me,”
Clubhouse snobs — “get a life”
A recent rant about an infuriating clubhouse custom tickled my fancy.
It asked why is it in some clubs when someone walks into the clubhouse lounge, bar or café there is a noticeable lull in the volume as all and sundry scrutinise the individual, particularly if a relative unknown.
This is usually the case when the person’s shoes, clothing, mobile phone or some other harmless object attracts their scorn or attention.
I will never forget my first experience when I joined a club and after my first club day round entered the clubhouse with my cap on. This stentorian voice boomed throughout the large lounge “Get that cap off.”
I was ignorant of the club “rule”. We no longer live in the dark ages so as long as attire is tidy and respectful and is perfectly acceptable at a restaurant or a respectable hotel bar it should pass muster in a golf clubhouse.
Woods’ poor Ryder Cup record
Tiger Woods has one of the worst Ryder Cup records in US history — 13 wins, 21 losses, 3 halves.
Many ask why, seeing he was such a dominant force on the PGA Tour. They also say this could spell massive trouble for Scottie Scheffler or can he find a way to break the cycle. Could it be the immense pressure and nervousness team mates felt playing alongside him, having to adapt to his clinical and methodical style?
Is it possible he just isn’t a team player, unlike the Europeans who always
seem so close knit despite coming from a huge disparity of country, language and culture?
Think Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, and Jon Rahm who always find that extra gear in team formats that often escapes the US players.
Aimpoint under fire
Several PGA Tour pros use the aimpoint putting method on tour.
These include Collin Morikawa, Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley, Justin Rose and Viktor Hovland. They claim it has helped them improve their putting. But to fans watching on television it just adds to the slow pace of play plaguing the game.
Players’ advisory council chairman Lucas Glover has called out those players who use the method and take a long time to putt.
Glover said: “I still don’t do it.” He has called for it to be banned saying: “It is rude for players to walk on others’ playing lines for the sake of judging their own line.”
As it turns out he was confronted by players who used the method after he made those comments.
DeChambeau — a distinctly modern star
Love him or loathe him Bryson DeChambeau commands attention.
Joining LIV Golf amplified his exposure. This expanded opportunities for content creation and brand building which strengthened ties with younger fans who enjoy their sports online. They see him as accessible as he invites them into his day to day life with You Tube communications, how-to posts and informal interactions which produce a sense of closeness often missing from golf.
This approach has attracted people to golf who may never have embraced it. Emotion drives engagement with sports and DeChambeau certainly engenders that. He has succeeded by refusing to conform to the traditional mold of the professional golfer and instead become that distinctly modern star who appeals to a broader audience.
Tiger Woods’ staggering financial fortune
Business news company Forbes currently puts Tiger Woods net worth at $US1.5 billion.
He reached billionaire status in 2022, alongside the only other sports billionaire at the time, American basketball player LeBron James.
Only $US121 million has come from prize money. His pre-tax total is close to $US2 billion.
Brand endorsements and partnerships form a long list. Top of the pops is Nike who Woods signed a deal with in 1996 for $US40 million over five years. Through the full 27 years he had with Nike he reaped approximately $500 to $600 million before they parted company in January, 2024.
He also has a long standing relationship with TaylorMade who have supplied his clubs since 2017. Bridgestone Golf has supplied his golf balls since 2016. The deals go on and on such as an Indian motorcycle manufacturer who signed a four year deal in 2014 for $6-8 million annually then twice extended it.
US Women’s Open TV viewership up
American broadcaster NBC reported that the US Women’s Open received a massive increase in viewers averaging 1.3 million.
Driven by Nelly Korda’s victory the final round was up 78 per cent to 2.2 million. However, former LPGA star Mel Reid had some sobering thoughts to offer. She praises the talent and the “incredible” prizemoney. From a talent standpoint the LPGA is in a really great place.
However for all that Reid said: “It looks strange when you’re playing for nine million at Chevron and no one’s watching. How are we playing for $9 million and no one is through the gate?”
Reid feels people should be able to watch free for a bit just to get them watching women’s golf.
“I think we could do a better job of getting communities involved and local radio stations on course.
“We have to be louder to get noticed. The talent is definitely there, but where are the eyes?’’
Faldo advocate a one inch tee
Nick Faldo is never short of ideas. He has recently advocated limiting tee shots from one inch tees to remove the questionable need for a golf ball roll back.
It would not only limit distances but test players skills. He trialled the idea with both Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau and they both approved. He also suggested limiting the lofts on drivers to no less than 10 degrees, amongst other thoughts.
The other factor in regard to a roll back of the ball is cost. The manufacturers would have to completely retool to develop ranges of new balls, doing ball necessary research and trialling, then gathering feedback. It could be a long expensive process. Maybe the answer is already available at no extra cost to manufacturers or players. Go buy a bag of one inch tees.
Long Island a stain on the game
In 2025 the Ryder Cup crowd at Bethpage Black booed and abused the European players and family members in a disgraceful way, forcing the PGA of America to bring in extra police.
Then last June we were treated to the US Open crowd at Shinnecock Hills doing much the same to one of their own, American Wyndham Clark jeering him throughout his final round. Major championships should no longer be held on Long Island courses.
Ironically it is not a New York problem as these things don’t happen at Winged Foot or Baltusrol on the other side of the Hudson River. It happens on Long Island every time said one commentator. Another suggested they need to follow Augusta and ban phones, yelling and disruptive behaviour and remove credentials and impose lifetime bans where warranted.
Jackson Koivun: New kid on the block
Stunning. Is there any other word for it?
Twenty one-year-old Jackson Koivun, in just his third PGA Tour start, out duelled the chasing world number one Scottie Scheffler down the home straight at the 3M Open. Rounds of 64, 68, 61 and 66 saw him home by three shots from the chasing pack. In reality he never looked under pressure producing an outstanding bogey free final round.
In doing so he set a tournament record of 25 under par, saying after his win: “I played a great round today although I definitely had some nerves playing the 18th today. I wrote confidence, trust and dominate on my golf glove. Dominate helps me a lot with my mindset. I love golf. It was love at first sight and I have to thank my parents for getting me on this journey.”
Cameron Smith — time or return to reality
Cameron Smith puts it as a true blue Aussie would.
Smith admits his signing on fee for LIV Golf of $US140 million was too good to turn down and since then has earned another $52 million in prizemoney. However Smith also admits that the LIV money is “pretty far fetched, realistically and it is obviously no longer working.
“It has been an awesome four or five years for us golfers but it’s time for everything to return to the way it was.”
Come this time next year the massive prize pots are unlikely to remain. But will this encourage Smith to leave LIV.
“I don’t think so” is his retort.
Smith believes the big selling point for LIV Golf is the team aspect which he obviously enjoys. The national teams are popular in their home events such as Australia, South Africa, Korea and Asia.
“They love it and I would like to see it become more than it is now.”
Interesting times ahead.
Hole in one shout outdated
The idea that scoring a hole in one should result in having to fork out mega bucks to shout everyone in the clubhouse is ridiculous. That is hardly a reward for the feat, rather it is a penalty. Rather the bar should shout the player for a month or whatever.
But seriously it makes no sense being expected to shout for many people you don’t even know. So scoring your ace can for some, produce anxiety contemplating the hole left in your pocket.
If that ritual is expected it makes more sense for the club to foot the bill. Or better still, as one club does, team up with a local liquor merchant to sponsor the hole-in-one drinks and receive their name on a car park that can be allocated to the hole-in-one scorer until the next person scores a hole-in-one. Of course this should only apply to a hole-in-one scored in competition.
Women deserve better
With all the overdue increases in prizemoney for women welcomed, plus increased TV coverage, unfortunately this has not been matched by interest and viewership of their tournaments including major championships.
Most regular LPGA events only draw around 3,000 to 5,000 fans to the course throughout the four days. This is minuscule compared to the 100,000 the PGA Tour might see. Marquee events like the Phoenix Open exceed 200,000. At the 2026 Chevron Championship in Houston a reporter walking the back nine with world No 1 Nelly Korda said it was painfully silent, with the attendance almost non existent.
Mel Reid said she asked a manufacturer a few years ago for the two woods she thought would best fit her and the stunning response was: “We don’t support women’s golf.” Another company she asked for a set of irons from said they only support men. Things may have changed somewhat but the disconnect still exists.
Bryson DeChambeau fiasco avoidable
By Neville Idour
The fiasco surrounding Bryson DeChambeau on the fifth hole after the second round was a blight on The Open Championship.
The ruling on Scottie Scheffler’s lost ball during the final round also drew derision from all and sundry. Many players and pundits have felt The R&A referees got both decisions wrong. DeChambeau’s situation should never have escalated as it did.
DeChambeau hit his ball into long rough. From what I saw on the television coverage he walked into where his ball was. Obviously that involved standing on the grass. I certainly wasn’t aware of any excessive trampling of grass near his ball or behind where he played his shot.
Eventually he played a steep shot successfully. It all looked reasonably harmless. But unfortunately the official who was with the group did not provide any assistance by viewing the situation, which seemed strange given DeChambeau was given a two shot penalty.
DeChambeau asked to be taken out by officialdom after the round to review the situation. Naturally DeChambeau was upset by this and the decision to penalise him two shots. To his
credit he eventually said: “It is what it is” and it was time to “move on”.
However he didn’t help matters by threatening to withdraw from the tournament. The less said the better sometimes. But over riding all of this is why the R&A referees would deal with it the way they did. Were they trying to make an example of LIV player DeChambeau?
They had already decided it was going to be a two shot penalty before they went back to the crime scene. So why go there? Why not simply advise DeChambeau that the penalty would stand? Why did they agree to that, which resulted in all the hullabaloo that resulted in many people deciding he had cheated, despite the no intention statement.
The upshot of it all was every man and his dog was asked for their opinions. The overwhelming response from players supported DeChambeau.
An exception was Rory McIlroy who simply doesn’t seem to learn. McIlroy shot his mouth off accusing DeChambeau of being “performative” and “a lot of it is for attention”. Then McIlroy really overstepped the mark saying: “I won’t pretend to defend Bryson and I’m not particularly fond of him. I think the two shot penalty was justified for sure.”
I’m sure most of us didn’t need him to spell out what we already suspected.
Clearly Bryson beating him at the 2024 US Open still lives rent free in his head. Conversely it was interesting to see how many took an opposite view. Max Homa was adamant: “I’ve known Bryson a long time and know he would never cheat at the game.”
Xander Schaufele had a very logical opinion. He said: “He appeared to be just stepping in how you’d normally step in to hit a golf shot. Navigating thick rough often requires awkward movement. He deserved the benefit of the doubt.”
Russell Henley said it was tough and unfortunate and DeChambeau was constantly covered while others might get away with it. Mark Calcavecchia said: “No penalty. How else are you supposed to get in there? He has every right to get behind his ball to view the shot whether it is fairway or four foot tall weeds.”
Steve Elkington agreed saying: “Without a camera behind you can’t issue a decision.” Graeme McDowell felt he should have been given the benefit of the doubt. Wayne Riley, who was on the Sky Sports television broadcast, said: “I can’t see Bryson is being penalised without a camera behind him.”
So there we have it. Probably in the end an unnecessary distraction.
Even Scottie Scheffler was unequivocal about DeChambeau saying: “Every
shot is going to be shown on TV. I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s a lot of things, but he’s definitely not a cheater. I’ve never seen him cheat once, whether we were having a putting contest or a chipping contest, or anytime we played amateur golf, I never saw anything suspicious.”
You can’t get a better recommendation than that.
As for Scottie Scheffler’s incident the ruling favoured him most questionably, unlike DeChambeau. He hit a wild three wood approach shot on the 17th in the final round which sailed into the grandstand area. Scheffler knew the rules say only virtual certainty that a ball entered a temporary immovable onstruction zone is required to receive free relief. He actively discouraged officials (why did they agree?) and gallery members from searching for his ball. Normally a lost ball or unplayable would be a one shot penalty. No wonder many people were most annoyed with his free pass. He was granted a free drop closer to the green allowing him to recover and score a birdie on the par five.
This took him to eight under par just one shot behind Fox and a sniff of victory which would have been controversial. However justice prevailed as he bogeyed 18 and Fox birdied.
From the PGA Tour to the PGA Tour Champions
The Sony Open in Hawaii will transition to a PGA Tour Champions event starting in 2027.
The newly-named Sony Championship Hawaii will be held the week of January 11-16 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. The tournament will feature a purse of $US3 million.
PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady said: “We are excited to welcome the Sony Championship Hawaii to PGA Tour Champions. Sony has been an incredible PGA Tour partner since 1999, and we are looking forward to beginning this new era with the legends of the
game competing on a truly iconic venue in Waialae Country Club.”
The historic Waialae Country Club hosted the PGA Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii every year since 1965. It has been the setting for some memorable PGA Tour moments, delivering champions such as Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino, as well as current Champions Tour stars Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson and KJ Choi. The Sony Championship Hawaii will be the sixth PGA Tour Champions event to be contested on a course that formerly hosted a PGA Tour event.
Over its 28-year partnership with the
Sony Open in Hawaii, Sony has contributed more than $US27 million for Hawaii non-profit organisations, benefiting hundreds of local charities that serve vulnerable working families, seniors, under-resourced children, and economically disadvantaged communities.
The Sony Championship Hawaii will feature a field of 78 PGA Tour Champions players, with pro-ams on January 12-13 followed by competition rounds from January 14-16. All three rounds will be televised on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA Tour Champions. Internationally, PGA Tour
Champions coverage is available in more than 170 countries and territories via 22 media partners.
Waialae Country Club president Meredith Ching said: “Waialae Country Club is proud to continue its 61-year tradition of hosting championship golf, while beginning a new chapter with the PGA Tour Champions. We look forward to continuing our valued partnership with Sony and building upon a legacy that has showcased Hawaii around the world and generated meaningful local charitable contributions for decades.”
Royal Lytham & St Annes confirmed for 2028 Open
The 2028 Open will be played at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England from July 30 to August 6.
The 156th Open will be contested over the famous Fylde links for the 12th time in the history of the championship and returns there for the first time since 2012 when Ernie Els lifted the second Claret Jug of his celebrated career.
The South African joined an illustrious roll of winners at Royal Lytham & St Annes, including Bobby Jones, Bobby Locke, Peter Thomson, Sir Bob Charles of New Zealand, Tony Jacklin, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Lehman and David Duval.
Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: “Roy-
al Lytham & St Annes is widely renowned as one of the world’s finest links courses and has witnessed many great championship moments since The Open was first played there in 1926 when the legendary Bobby Jones won.
“This is one of golf’s most cherished and historic venues and The Open’s return to these famous links will spark huge interest among fans to be part of one of the world’s great sporting events and celebrate the rich traditions of golf’s original championship.
“We are grateful to the members of Royal Lytham & St Annes and the local authorities for their support in making this happen. We look forward to enjoying another
fantastic championship on England’s golf coast in 2028.” Tim Walker, chairman of council at Royal Lytham & St Annes, said: “We are honoured to be chosen as the host venue for The 156th Open in 2028. The club has a long and successful association with The Open, and we take great pride in our place within the championship’s history. It is fitting that this announcement comes as we mark 100 years since Bobby Jones’ victory here in 1926 and the granting of our royal status. We look forward to welcoming the world’s leading players, together with spectators and audiences from across the globe, to our links on England’s golf coast.”
United States pair win women’s and men’s senior amateur titles
Lara Tennant and Bryan Hoops enjoyed a double success for the United States at The R&A Women’s Senior Amateur and Senior Amateur championships at Frilford Heath in England last month.
Tennant won her second Women’s Senior Amateur title when she outlasted England’s Emma Brown in a thrilling encounter in Oxfordshire. Hoops won the men’s Senior Amateur on his second appearance.
Tennant, who is ranked 357th on the world amateur golf ranking, returned a closing two under par 72 over Frilford’s red course for a two over par 296 total to defeat Brown by five shots. Brown’s fellow 2002 Curtis Cup team-mate Kerry Smith placed third, six shots adrift of Tennant.
“It feels great,” Tennant said. “This is my fourth time playing in this event and I’ve won twice and finished second so I’m more than happy.”
Hoops finished 11th at Walton Heath last year on his debut in the Senior Amateur. He closed with a six-under-par 66 to finish on 10 under par 278, six shots better than England’s John Kemp and Richard Heath of Australia.
“This is the best win of my career,” said Hoops. “I’ve won tournaments in the United States and internationally but to win a national championship like this is my best.”
Tennant, who won the 2019 Women’s Senior Amateur at Royal St David’s, was three shots adrift of Brown after nine holes of the final round. However, the three-time US Senior Women’s champion played the inward nine in one under par 36 to Brown’s 44 to get her hands on the trophy again.
game plan and tried to do my best on each shot.”
The 59-year-old won thanks to the way she played the 15th and 16th holes compared to Brown. Tennant found a fairway bunker off the tee on the 15th and couldn’t advance the ball to the green. However, she got up and down from 100 yards to save par. Then her approach shot to the 16th hit the flag and ended up two and a half feet away.
“After I hit it in the bunker I said to myself I’m going to make par. I had a 25-foot putt but I saw the break, hit a good putt and luckily it went in the hole. That was definitely a turning point to keep moving forward. So was the 16th because it was a hard shot out of the rough. I knew it was going to be hard to stop the ball, so for it to hit the flag and end up close was a big break.”
Brown, meanwhile, dropped seven shots over the last five holes, including double bogeys at the 14th and 16th holes. While the women’s event came down to Tennant and Brown, Hoops ran away with the men’s trophy. His closing 66 was the second lowest score of the week behind Kemp’s 65 in round two.
Hoops, 57, who at 308th on the world golf ranking table and is the world’s highest-ranked senior, said: “I played so well all week. I missed a little two-foot putt on 18 yesterday and that was the only threeputt I had, so I didn’t have a lot of stress over the four days.
“It is tough to adapt to playing over here with the conditions, the weather and the grasses so this validates the travelling, working hard and winning in the United States.
Tennant, who won three straight US Women’s Senior Amateur Championships from 2018-2021, added: “I wanted to shoot two under today and I did that.
“I did a good job of just focussing on my own game. I knew I was behind Emma but not by how much. I just stuck to my
“To put my name on this trophy with names like Mike McCoy, Gene Elliott, Paul Simson and other great players I know from the US makes me very proud. I will treasure this win for a long time.”
Bryan Hoops and Lara Tennant, both from the United States, with their trophies after winning men’s and women’s senior amateur championship in England last month. (Photo credit: The R&A)
LONG DRIVE
Hawke’s Bay Welcomes XDL and the New Zealand Long Blacks
A Decade of Growth Continues as Long Drive Finds a Home in Hawke’s Bay
The Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) proudly celebrated its first-ever event in Hawke’s Bay, marking another milestone in the organization’s decade-long journey of growing the sport of Long Drive throughout New Zealand. While XDL successfully launched its indoor competition programme in Auckland earlier this year, Hawke’s Bay represents the next chapter as the league expands its indoor regional championship series across New Zealand.
As part of XDL’s 10-Year Celebration Series, regional indoor championships are currently making the XDL GRID open to competitors from throughout New Zealand, celebrating the friendships, talent and passion that have helped build the sport over the past decade while introducing Long Drive to new regions and communities.
Founder and Owner of Xtreme Driv-
ers League and the New Zealand Long Blacks, Olna Ford, said the Hawke’s Bay community made an unforgettable first impression.
“The welcome we received from Hawke’s Bay was incredible. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely at home. The warmth, enthusiasm and support shown by everyone reinforced exactly why we are passionate about taking Long Drive into local communities.
“This wasn’t just about hosting a competition. It was about planting the seeds for something that will continue to grow for years to come. Through our partnership with GOOD SPORT, we’re building a home for Long Drive in Hawke’s Bay.” Founder Olna Ford.
The inaugural Hawke’s Bay Regional Championship showcased outstanding talent, with New Zealand Long Black Chris Charlton (Wellington) taking out the Men’s Open title with a massive 393-yard drive while also claiming the Longest Drive honours. Local Hawke’s Bay golfer Matt Edmondson produced an outstanding performance to finish
runner-up with 355.9 yards, while Zane Norgate completed the podium with a powerful 340-yard drive. With regional events currently open to players from around New Zealand as part of XDL’s decade celebrations, all three Men’s Open placegetters have now been officially recorded on the XDL Indoor qualifiers register. Their performances keep them in contention for qualification into the XDL National Championships and XDL ESWF World Series.
Two-year-old Nikau became an instant crowd favourite, refusing to use the junior clubs and instead grabbing Dad’s driver. With the gallery cheering every swing, the young golfer launched an impressive 24.9-yard drive, proving that passion for the game starts young.
In the Junior Boys, new Hawke’s Bay resident Sebastian Clark claimed victory with 87.9 yards, ahead of Finn Mullen on 62.1 yards, while Louis Clark finished third with 34.2 yards. The Junior Girls division was won by local XDL operations helper Mikayla Davies, whose impressive 115.4-yard drive secured first place. Sister Ashlynne Davies finished runner-up with 57.9 yards, while Ary McKenzie claimed third with 53.4 yards. The winners of both junior divisions have earned their positions
on the XDL National Grid, beginning their pathway towards the XDL National Championships in October and November. Ford said one of the highlights of the weekend was seeing local people embrace the vision for growing the sport. “A special thank you to local legend Ashlin, who is now taking the helm in helping grow XDL and GOOD SPORT events throughout Hawke’s Bay. Having passionate local leadership is exactly how we create sustainable events, inspire young athletes and build future New Zealand Long Blacks.” Founder Olna Ford GOOD SPORT is now officially recognized as a Legacy Venue for both Xtreme Drivers League and the New Zealand Long Blacks, while also becoming an official XDL ESWF World Series Qualifying Venue, placing Hawke’s Bay on the international map as local players begin their journey from community competition to national representation and ultimately the world stage. For XDL, Hawke’s Bay was far more than another tournament. It was a celebration of ten years of growth, the beginning of a lasting partnership, and another step towards creating opportunities for everyday golfers to become tomorrow’s champions. Growing Long Drive. Promoting Golf. Building Communities. Creating Champions.
Driving Legacy & Business with Locals
XDL and the New Zealand Long Blacks extended its sincere appreciation to HB Engravers, whose beautifully handcrafted trophies and medals added a unique local touch to the inaugural championship. The Hawke’s Bay hospitality began before the first ball was even struck. With locals jumping in to support the XDL Hawke’s Bay Regional Indoor Championship. Juniors and Men’s taking to the tee with Women’s Open, Masters and Seniors soon to be announced.
“HB Engravers are our local legends. Their craftsmanship helped create lasting memories for our winners, and we’re proud they’ll continue to be part of future XDL events in Hawke’s Bay.” founder, owner of XDL and New Zealand Long Blacks, Olna Ford.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Johnny Driver, who welcomed Olna at the airport before providing a personalised tour of Napier. Whether it’s airport transfers, golf groups, corporate trans-
port or local sightseeing, Johnny Driver offers first-class service and is proudly recommended by XDL for anyone visiting Hawke’s Bay and connected heavily with the tourism sector.
Promoting Golf organically as we grow XDL is on a mission to make the sport of Long Drive more accessible and ensure we promote businesses in the local areas so that we are mindful and inclusive.
Thanks to the beautiful Hawke’s Bay, for the incredible hospitality.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS
Harbour Players Shine at the Matamata 54 Hole Tournament! Laing Trophy Handicap Pennants Finals
Juwon Kim, who claimed the title at the Matamata 54 Hole Tournament with impressive rounds of 71, 71 and 69 to finish one shot clear of the field.
Fellow Harbour player Sophie Yu produced a sensational final-round 65—the lowest round of the tournament—to
finish runner-up, just one shot behind Juwon.
There were more outstanding performances from Harbour, with 11-year-old Remmy Lee finishing in 5th place on a three-round total of 220, while Yeowon Yoon finished equal 6th with a total of 221.
Played recently at Te Puke Golf Club, with the course presented in outstanding condition and seeing some incredibly close contests, both decided by the final putt on the final green.
The Laing Trophy Final went right down to the wire, with Opotiki Golf Club edging out Turangi Golf Club 4.5–3.5 after a
series of tightly fought matches, with the Opotiki number 2 securing the win with a clutch putt on 18.
In the Plate Final, Omokoroa Golf Club narrowly defeated Murupara Golf Club 4.5–3.5, after a putt to take it a playoff was narrowly missed.
NORTH HARBOUR
BAY OF PLENTY
Dramatic Playoff Brings Waikato Age Group Championships to a Thrilling Finish
Morrinsville Golf Club played host recently to two outstanding days of junior golf this week as players from across New Zealand gathered for the 2026 Waikato Age Group Championships.
Winter weather added an extra layer of uncertainty to the championship. Monday morning began with frost threatening the start of play, but fortunately temperatures remained just high enough for the championship to get underway as scheduled. Both the morning and afternoon fields enjoyed a smooth day, with excellent pace of play ensuring every group completed their round before darkness.
Tuesday morning brought a light blanket of fog across the course along with a few passing showers, but once again the weather failed to interrupt proceedings. The Under 14 and Under 16 divisions
teed off promptly at 7:45am before the Under 19 players headed out at 11:00am, setting the stage for an exciting final day.
The championship’s most memorable moment came in the Under 19 Boys Gross division. After opening with a 75 on Monday, Archie Thompson (Pakuranga) produced the round of the tournament on Tuesday, firing a sensational 64 around Morrinsville’s par-69 layout to storm into a share of the lead. His outstanding comeback saw him finish tied with Ryan Xie (Royal Auckland & Grange) and Blake Novak (Stewart Alexander), with all three players completing the 36hole championship on 139.
The trio returned to the par-three 1st hole for a sudden-death playoff, where Ryan Xie held his nerve to secure victory on the very first extra hole and claim the Waikato Age Group Under 19 Boys Championship.
For Xie, the victory marked a special milestone. Having previously won the Waikato Age Group Under 14 and Under 16 Gross titles, he has now completed the set by adding the Under 19 Championship to his growing list of achievements—a remarkable accomplishment that reflects years of dedication and development.
While Xie claimed the Gross title, Blake Novak capped off an excellent championship by winning the Under 19 Boys Net title with a superb 36-hole total of 137.
Another of the week’s standout performances came from 13-year-old Elise Barber of Shandon Golf Club. Barber opened the championship with a magnificent three-under-par 66 before following it with a composed 70 to finish on 136 and comfortably secure the Under 14 Girls Gross Championship. At just 13 years of age, her performance was one of the
highlights of the tournament and showcased the exciting future of New Zealand junior golf.
The final day also produced several impressive charges up the leaderboard. Daniel Fu’s brilliant second-round 66 lifted him into second place in the Under 16 Boys Gross Championship after beginning the day in fourth position, while Charlie Tse bounced back from an opening-round 81 with an excellent 68 to finish inside the top ten.
Across every division, the championships highlighted the exceptional standard of junior golf currently being played throughout New Zealand. Morrinsville Golf Club presented the course in outstanding condition despite the winter weather, providing a fitting test for the country’s emerging talent.
Manawatu Wanganui Golf Martinborough Golf Club
Finals Day was held recently at Foxton Golf Club.
Congratulations to all the winners:
A Grade - Foxton
B Grade - Buckley
C Grade - Measured Livestock Feilding
D Grade - Tall Poppy Feilding
E Grade - Taihape
Weekend women - Wanganui
Championship women - Feilding A
Martinborough Golf Club women have done it again - bringing home the Riverside Cup (shared with Eketahuna Golf Club as it was a late breaking draw thanks to our team efforts today). Martinborough Golf Club managed 5 out of 6 wins.
Karen Shaw, Karen Delahunty, Jo Loe,
Nicola Warren, Honor Clark and Emily Loughnan - and all the others (Bindy McLeod, Sandra Petersen, Ju Allen, Olivia Clark, Felicity Warren, Alison Tipler, Julie Dondertman, Jacque Reid and Karen Stephens) who contributed to our points table over the season.
Akaroa end Hawarden’s reign to claim the Boyle Cup 2026 Aorangi Ladies Open Pennant champion
Akaroa are the new holders of the Boyle Cup after defeating Hawarden 3½ to 1½ in a challenge match played on Tuesday 14th July 2026, bringing to an end a remarkable three-year, 16-challenge unbeaten run for Hawarden.
The Boyle Cup, presented to the Christchurch Ladies’ Golf Club in 1914, is one of Canterbury’s most historic inter-club challenge trophies. Administered by the Women’s Committee of the Christchurch Golf Club, the cup is played for under a challenge format, meaning the holding club can be challenged by any affiliated club and must defend the trophy to retain it. Hawarden’s stretch of 15 successful defences over three years stands as a serious achievement in the competition’s long history.
Akaroa made their move count on the day, winning three of the five points on offer. Carolyn Bleach, Judi Grant and Denise Langrope all secured points for the challengers, while Nicky Matthews and Amanda Clark shared a halved match.
Erin Mulholland claimed Hawarden’s sole win of the day, but with only 1½ points to Akaroa’s 3½, it was the challengers who left with the trophy.
Fairlie Golf Club has been crowned the 2026 Aorangi Ladies Open Pennant champion after defeating Rakaia Golf Club in a closely contested final at Geraldine Golf Club.
Played in bitterly cold conditions with strong winds at times, the final showcased some excellent golf, with most matches going down to the closing holes and two contests requiring the 18th hole to determine the winner.
Both Fairlie and Rakaia earned their place in the final after topping their respective zones through five rounds of qualifying. In the semi-finals, Fairlie defeated Mayfield 8–4, while Rakaia overcame Gleniti 9–3.
Fairlie produced a strong all-round per-
formance in the championship match, securing an 8–4 victory to claim the title.
Singles Results (Fairlie names first)
Georgie Wright defeated Sandra Quinn 6&5
Jo Lane defeated Teresa Booker 2&1
Fiona Anderson defeated Sally Smith 1 up
Helen Johnson lost to Freda Bierema 2&1
Foursomes Results
Georgie Wright & Jo Lane defeated Sandra Quinn & Teresa Booker 1 up Fiona Anderson & Helen Johnson lost to Sally Smith & Freda Bierema 2&1
Photo (from left): Helen Johnson, Georgie Wright, Jo Lane and Fiona Anderson of Fairlie Golf Club.
