Issuu

NEW ZEALAND’S

GOLF PERSONALITIES | STYLE

OURCHAMPIONOF CHAMPIONS

RYAN FOX

EQUIPMENT | TRAVEL

An Experience of alifetime...

Not One, but Two

Amazing Cruises

Cruise & Golf France

Seine, Bordeaux & Normandy 14 – 26 August 2027

Our French Cruise & Golf adventure includes Paris, Bordeaux, then on to the River Seine to Normandy. • Paris welcome – 1 night in the City of Love • TGV to Bordeaux – 4 nights at Le Grand Hôtel InterContinental • Premium golf – Cabot Bordeaux Médoc & Saint-Émilion • Wine & sightseeing – Château du Tertre & Château Pichon Longueville • 8-day Seine cruise – Paris to Normandy • Iconic ports – Les Andelys, Rouen, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux & Vernon • Golf in Normandy – Étretat, Vaudreuil & Le Golf National • Cultural highlights – Château Gaillard, Honfleur, D-Day Beaches & medieval Rouen

Cruise & Golf Europe The Romantic Danube 29 August – 5 September 2027

For our second cruise adventure we are on to the Danube – a uniquely “special” river which flows through ten European countries, more than any other river in the world. From Germany’s Black Forest, through central Europe to the Black Sea. The Danube offers premier river cruising, passing through iconic cities such as Vienna and Budapest, romantic landscapes, and centrally located, accessible ports. • Danube adventure – Germany to Hungary • Regensburg & Passau – Discover historic Bavaria • Salzburg option – Mozart’s birthplace • Iconic cities – Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest • Exceptional golf across four countries: - Quellness & Golf Resort Bad Griesbach, Germany - Adamstal Golf Club, Austria - Penati Legend, Slovakia - Botaniq Máriavölgyi Golf Klub, Hungary • Grand finale: Budapest

Our Cruise & Golf France and our Cruise & Golf Europe Tours can be booked as a stand-alone package or combined as one magical three-week European journey. Our cruise partner, AmaWaterways has been carefully selected for a truly magical experience.

www.parnz.co.nz Exciting European Golf Tours and Cruises Contact: denise@parnz.co.nz or kim@parnz.co.nz for all details and registration forms.

A Nordic Adventure

Copenhagen

Nordic Golf Tour – July/August 2027 Kim and Denise are delighted to present this unique golf tour through the Nordic capitals of Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki, combined with the extraordinary golfing experience of Lofoten Links above the Arctic Circle and a stay in the charming Norwegian fishing village of Henningsvær. This is a truly special itinerary, bringing together world-class golf, luxury accommodation, spectacular Nordic scenery, and some of Scandinavia’s most captivating cities and destinations. We believe no other company is offering a golf experience quite like Nordic 27’. This will be our 4th tour to this fantastic destination.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS • 10 rounds on championship courses, including two unforgettable rounds at Lofoten Links. • Luxury 5-star accommodation in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki. • 3 nights in Henningsvær, one of Norway’s most spectacular and historic fishing villages. • Seamless travel combining flights, cruises and rail journeys connecting each destination. • Overnight Baltic Sea cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki. • Exceptional dining experiences, including harbour cruises in Copenhagen and Oslo. • Hosted drinks evenings and memorable social events throughout the journey. • An exclusive PaR nz Travel golf pack, featuring premium FootJoy and Titleist merchandise. • And much more, creating an unforgettable Nordic golf adventure.

Lofoten Links, Norway

THE DENISE & KIM NORDIC 27’ GOLF LINE UP 1. The Scandinavian New — Continental Europe #46: by Bruce Charlton / Robert Trent Jones II 2. The Scandinavian Old — Continental Europe #42: by Bruce Charlton / Robert Trent Jones II 3. Lofoten Links — World #66 | Continental Europe #3: by Jeremy Turner 4. Oslo Golf Club — Norway #2: by Harry Colt / later redevelopment 5. Miklagard — Norway #3: by Robert Trent Jones II 6. Bro Hof Slott — Continental Europe #5: by Robert Trent Jones Jr. 7. Ullna — Continental Europe #19: by Jack Nicklaus and later, Arthur Hills 8. Kytäjä — Finland’s leading golf resort ranked #1 in Finland: by Tomas McBroom 9. Lunna — Finland’s #1: by Tim Lobb in partnership with European Golf Design

Visit: www.parnz.co.nz We will only take 24 golfers in 2027 Grand Hotel, Oslo

Contact denise@parnz.co.nz or kim@parnz.co.nz for all details and registration forms.

Experience golf’s most prestigious stage from the inside.

Geneva Old Town

An Exclusive Major Championship Experience

An Exceptional PaR nz Golfing Holidays Invitation 9–15 JULY 2027 Step beyond the ropes and immerse yourself in the world of the Amundi Evian Championship, one of the LPGA Tour’s five Major Championships. Stay in the legendary Royal Hotel Evian, home to players, sponsors, and tournament officials, while enjoying privileged VIP access, exceptional dining, and unforgettable golfing experiences. From exclusive behind-the-scenes access to playing the iconic Champions Course in official tournament conditions, this is a golf journey designed for those who seek the extraordinary.

YOUR EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES • Five-star luxury accommodation throughout your journey • Executive Suite accommodation at the prestigious Royal Hotel Evian • VIP hospitality and backstage access at the Amundi Evian Championship • Exclusive meet-and-greet with Tournament General Manager Matthieu Camison Lofoten Links, Norway

• Michelin-star dining experiences with renowned chefs • The opportunity to play the Evian Resort Champions Course in official tournament conditions during the legendary “5th Round” • A fully escorted luxury golf tour with Denise & Kim – the PaR nz team

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS Experience one of the world’s most celebrated Major Championships while enjoying unrivalled hospitality and luxury. Following the excitement of tournament week, continue your journey to Geneva, where Swiss elegance meets spectacular lakeside scenery. Enjoy world-class dining, luxury accommodation, and an exclusive round at one of Switzerland’s most prestigious private golf clubs.

Visit: www.parnz.co.nz Les Fresques Restaurant

Contact denise@parnz.co.nz or kim@parnz.co.nz for all details and registration forms.

Every window faces the world

A new wave of international interest in New Zealand property is emerging. With changes to the Active Investor Plus visa, qualifying overseas buyers can now purchase premium homes here. Through New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, your property is positioned across a global network spanning 86 countries – reaching high-net-worth buyers already connected to our brand. When the world looks toward New Zealand, we make sure your home is in view.

Each office is independently owned and operated. Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.

NZSOTHEBYSREALTY.COM

53 Omaha Flats Road Matakana A new vision for wellness, leisure and lifestyle. THE OPPORTUNITY

The Land is Here. The Consent is in Place. An Opportunity to Shape the Next Chapter. Some opportunities are acquired. Others have the potential to shape what comes next. With substantial planning and design already completed for a Conference Centre, Spa and Villas to create a distinctive new destination for the region. Matakana is evolving rapidly as one of New Zealand’s most coveted lifestyle destinations, with wellness, hospitality, nature and leisure increasingly at its heart. What is your vision? Sculptureum sits directly across the road, with Omaha Beach and Omaha Golf Club just minutes away. Matakana Village, acclaimed vineyards and leading golf courses are close by, Auckland CBD is approximately 45 minutes South.

Debra Hope

Sue Harden

M +64 21 930 717 debra.hope@nzsir.com

M +64 21 926 920 sue.harden@nzsir.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. NZSIR North Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.

THE LAND 2.74 HECTARES

RESOURCE CONSENT GRANTED

WELLNESS AND CONFERENCE CENTRE

16 TWO-BEDROOM VILLAS

RESORT POOL

GYMNASIUM AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE

GOLF

PUBLISHER

Don Hope don@hopepublishing.co.nz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Desmond Frith d.DESIGN www.ddesigns.co.nz

EDITORIAL

Patrick Smith Des Frith Geoff Saunders Tom Hyde Tom Long Brendan Telfer Reece Witters Paul Prendergast Erica Cassidy Cherryl Browne Joanne Frith

PHOTOGRAPHY Getty Images

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THE

FOX FACTOR C

hampion Golfer of the Year — there’s a rather splendid ring to that.

Thank you, Ryan Fox. With one spectacular week at Royal Birkdale, you have once again placed New Zealand golf firmly on the world stage — and reminded us that, when it comes to major championship drama, our little corner of the world punches well above its weight. I can still remember watching Bob Charles on black-and-white television in 1963, calmly sinking that three-foot putt at Royal Lytham & St Annes to force a playoff with Phil Rodgers. It was then known as the British Open. Bob went on to prevail over 36 holes the following day, becoming New Zealand’s first Major champion. More Major glory followed, with Michael Campbell and Lydia Ko adding their names to that increasingly distinguished roll call. And now, Ryan Fox. That 12-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole at Royal Birkdale will live long in the memory. It was sporting theatre of the highest order, the sort of moment that makes you forget everything else happening in the world for a few minutes. But for me, the real turning point was the 62 in the third round. That was where Fox seized the championship and, perhaps, where the story was really written. In this issue, Geoff Saunders takes a closer look at the victory, and talks to Fox’s coach, Marcus Wheelhouse, about the man behind the Major. Of course, instant celebrity status is one of the less serious — but considerably more entertaining — side effects of winning a Major. Head to our 19th Hole for the inside story on the now-famous 'Foxy Pie'. I confess I have yet to sample one. It has, however, been firmly added to my must-try list. Elsewhere, we turn the spotlight on some of golf’s great characters and legends, with stories celebrating Bobby Locke and Byron Nelson. Closer to home, we explore Destination Matakana, take Ian Baker-Finch’s word for it and discover the exceptional Bluestone Estate, before heading out onto the fairways at Omaha Beach Golf Club and Te Arai South. On a recent voyage aboard Oceania Vista, I discovered that, yes, 'Golf at Sea' is very much a thing. And, as someone who enjoys both cruising and golf, I can report that combining the two is a rather compelling proposition. So settle in, pour yourself something good and enjoy the issue.

www.thecut.co.nz

12 | GOLF

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World-class recognition for a world‑class experience.

The Residence @ The George

The George, Christchurch

A celebration of timeless elegance, impeccable hospitality and an uncompromising attention to detail. 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch info@thegeorge.com | thegeorge.com

THE CUT GOLF

CONTENTS

22 33 38 42

FOXY: GRIT, SPEED & GENES

THE GOLDEN PUTTER

THE FAMOUS ‘FOXY’ PIE

WORDS: Geoff Saunders.

WORDS: Des Frith.

With his heroic victory at the Open Championship, Ryan Fox finally shed the shadow of his famous family. But sporting DNA can’t be denied.

At PING’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, a wonderful tradition unfolds each time a golfer captures a Major championship with a PING putter.

THE CUT checks out Foxy's local bakery for the classic Kiwi comfort food: a steak, bacon jam and cheese pie now named the 'Foxy' pie.

14 | GOLF

MARCUS WHEELHOUSE: COACHING FOXY

WORDS: Geoff Saunders. We catch up with top Kiwi coach Marcus Wheelhouse and learn about his work with Open Champion Ryan Fox.

A QUANTUM LEAP IN GREENS HIT

Find your local Callaway Authorised Retailer

CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU

THE CUT GOLF

CONTENTS

LIVING THE DREAM

HENDRY’S MAJOR AMBITION

THE TIGER QUIZ

GOLF TOLD DIFFERENTLY

WORDS: Tom Hyde.

WORDS: Reece Witters.

WORDS: Tom Long.

WORDS: Reece Witters.

To play in the Masters and the Open Championship is the elite golfer’s dream come true. But how does that happen? One way is to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

On the cusp of achieving great things in his career, Michael Hendry was diagnosed with leukaemia. But after a fighting comeback he’s now eyeing next year’s Open Championship.

Do you know your Tiger trivia? See how many you can score in this golf puzzler.

Reece Witters shares a first look at the project he’s been shaping with a crew from golf’s creative fringes: the New Zealand Golf Film Festival, hitting the road in February and March 2027.

THE MAN WHO WALKED AWAY

POET OF THE PUTTER

WORDS: Tom Long.

WORDS: Brendan Telfer.

WORDS: Des Frith.

How the Great Byron Nelson conquered golf, bought a ranch and quit the game at 34.

Long before the power hitters arrived to tame the world’s great courses, masters of the flat stick set the pace. And for many years one man was unbeatable: Bobby Locke.

The New Zealand Hickory Golf Open is a celebration of the game’s purest traditions.

16 | GOLF

PLAYING THE PAST

PROSHOP: FIT, FORM & FUNCTION WORDS: Des Frith. In Proshop we showcase new-release golf shoes for summer fairways.

The lightweight, score-lowering technology of the G Le4 family brings a new level of performance to women serious about having fun on the course. The premium lineup is the perfect fit for slower swing speeds. Each club in the set is designed to be easy to swing and easy to launch higher, leading to more distance with unmatched forgiveness and consistency.

GET FIT. GET OPTIMIZED. SPORTS NETWORK LTD – 0508 776786

©PING 2026 | P.O. BOX 82000 PHOENIX, AZ 85071

THE CUT GOLF

CONTENTS

104 120 132 140 A MAGICAL DESTINATION: MATAKANA COAST

WORDS: Geoff Saunders. THE CUT visits the refreshingly authentic Matakana Coast.

TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

WORDS: Tom Hyde. If you could go anywhere in the world to play golf, where would your dream trip take you? We put these questions to five of our regular contributors.

MUIRFIELD: HISTORY AT EVERY HOLE

OCEANIA CRUISES: GOLF AT SEA

WORDS: Paul Prendergast.

There are two things THE CUT’s Don Hope really loves: cruising and golf. Combine the two and for him it’s simply next level.

Join us on the hallowed turf of Muirfield Links, home to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.

WORDS: Don Hope.

Spyglass Hill, Pebble Beach, California.

144

BONUS CRUISING SPECIAL

148

GOLF DIARY

GRAND TOURING

WORDS: Des Frith.

WORDS: Erica Cassidy.

We showcase two upcoming golf events: the Fiji Golf Invitational and the Barfoot & Thompson Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic. Plus, we diary notable events from New Zealand and abroad.

Luxury cruising has surged in popularity as discerning guests choose the freedom of destinationrich journeys and the romance of travel on the move, leaving the planning to experts, unpacking once, and leaning into joy.

18 | GOLF

192

NEW SHIPS AND GRAND REFURBS WORDS: Cherryl Browne. Here's a sneak peak at the latest happenings in the cruise industry, with new ships and refurbishments on the way.

THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR A GOLFER

IAN BAKERFINCH To Hell and Back by Geoff Saunders “The book is fantastic. I loved the details of his equipment struggles. The book made me an even bigger fan of Ian” – Guy Yocom, Golf Digest

SIR BOB CHARLES THE BIOGRAPHY Limited Edition Hardcover and paperback

by Geoff Saunders “I was fortunate enough to witness it. Bob’s victory at the 1963 Open! To be a Major champion is to have reached the pinnacle of golf. All young golfers dream of winning a Major Championship.” – Gary Player

Available from

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FOXY: GRIT, SPEED &GENES WITH HIS HEROIC VICTORY AT THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, RYAN FOX FINALLY SHED THE SHADOW OF HIS FAMOUS FAMILY. BUT SPORTING DNA CAN’T BE DENIED. WORDS: GEOFF SAUNDERS.

rowing up may not always have been easy for Ryan Fox with All Black legend Grant Fox as his father(see inset). Ryan could not avoid being labelled 'Grant Fox’s son', nor would he want his name to be disassociated from his iconic father. Second-generation athletes and sportspeople with famous parents frequently talk about their desire to be recognised in their own right as they make their way in their chosen fields. Over the last decade, golf commentators have inevitably referred to Ryan as “the son of Grant Fox, the famous All Black”. The weight of public expectation can bear heavily on a son or daughter of a famous sporting parent. However, after Ryan’s stunning Open victory, the son has now well and truly emerged from any perceived sporting shadow cast by the father. In dealing with intergenerational sporting fame, the Fox family has passed any challenges with flying colours. In watching events like the New Zealand Open, Grant Fox has appeared to be looking on in a benevolent, fatherly manner, without pressure or needless intrusion. More importantly, he seems to have been there as a support for his son when needed. In his recent post-Open press conference, the younger Fox was quick to recall the pivotal role his father played when his golf career was on the ropes in 2013. On the verge of losing his card on the Australasian tour, Ryan recalled, “My dad came over and caddied for me and said to me, ‘Why do you play this game?’ I said, ‘It is 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’.” Ryan came fifth in The Australian Masters, his father helping him to save his card and his golf career. There must have been a degree of early pressure on Ryan to pursue a career in rugby or cricket, his family’s traditional sports. As well as the All-Black connection through his father, Ryan’s grandfather on his mother’s side was former New Zealand cricket captain and batsman Merv Wallace.

24 | GOLF

The Second World War may have stolen the peak years of Wallace’s cricket career, but he still managed to make his mark. He had a reputation for being a quick scorer — shades of his grandson — and went on to become a successful New Zealand cricket coach. Ryan’s sporting skill was evident from an early age. He played both rugby and cricket with distinction for King's College at secondary school level, but on leaving school at the end of 2004 there was no clear choice of sporting path for a young sportsman with so much talent, although his size and build may have pointed to rugby as the logical choice. He has said, “Rugby and cricket were my main two sports.” And on his final choice: “I had sport in the genes, but it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to play.” Ryan recalls, “Concussion was a little part of my giving up rugby, but it was more that I was not interested in it as much.” From the age of 13 he played his golf at Whitford Park Golf Club, attaining a two handicap. “Then I joined Royal Auckland when I started at Kings College at 16 and moved fully over to Royal after I left school.” Fox was a comparatively late starter in golf: “I didn’t start competitive golf until after I left school when I was 18 and struggled to break 80 other than at my home club.” His inherited sporting talent and hand-eye co-ordination must have contributed to the successful career he then embarked upon as an elite amateur. He turned professional in 2012. “Golf was the sport I enjoyed the most,” he said, “I had always wanted to be a professional sportsman.” Professionalism and dedication came naturally to the fledgling pro, and these attributes, along with strong parental support, would serve him well during some challenging times in the early part of his career.

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Waterlogged Ryan and Grant (Caddie) Fox at the 2012 Interprovincial Championship. BOTTOM: Grant Fox dons the white overalls to caddie for son Ryan Fox during the Par 3 contest at the 2023 Masters at Augusta National.

RUGBY MVP Ryan Fox played for King’s College 1st XV in 2004. At the end-of-season awards,he was named the team’s 'most valuable player' by coach Jim Dicken. The King’s Collegian magazine commented, “Ryan Fox was named our most valuable player. He showed an absolute command of the game plan we were implementing and coupled this with some devastating tackling and consistent kicking from both hand and for goal.”

BIG-HITTING BATSMAN Ryan Fox certainly caught the eye as a 16-year-old cricketer early in 2004 while batting for King’s College 1st XI in Sydney during a Trans-Tasman cricket carnival. Sledged mercilessly about his famous father by the local opposition, Ryan demonstrated impressive strength and timing as he responded without comment: dispatching the bowling into the carpark for three successive sixes. Father Grant could be seen unobtrusively wandering around the boundary, quietly observing the carnage his son was wreaking. At the time, it would have been easy to conclude that we as spectators were watching a fledgling career path likely to follow that of Ryan’s maternal grandfather. In fact, future Black Caps Tim Southee and Mark Craig were two of Ryan’s teammates at the time. Ryan Fox poses with the trophy after winning the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto.

26 | GOLF

FOXY’S PEDIGREE

Financial success did not come easily on the Australasian Tour, where solid results were often unrewarded by the modest purses at stake. In 2016, at the age of 29, Fox found himself battling in Europe on the secondary Challenge Tour, fighting his way to fourth position on the Order of Merit. He was helped by victory in the humble Northern Ireland Open (sponsored by Tayto, a potato crisp manufacturer). In 2017, at the comparatively advanced age of 30, Fox finally graduated to the European Tour. Success had hardly been instant. In the last decade there have been five European Tour wins and, after earning full playing status on the 2024 PGA Tour, two PGA Tour wins: a successful career in golf by any standard. Until this year, Fox certainly had not excelled in golf’s majors, with a tied 16th place in The Open back in 2019 being his best effort until this year’s victory. So, what of his stunning, come-from-behind win at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in July (Fox was lying 52nd after 36 holes and made the cut by two shots)? The course itself suited Ryan’s game, just as it had Peter Thomson’s (two Claret Jugs, in 1954 and 1965) and his fellow Australian Ian Baker-Finch (victory in 1991). Of all the courses on the Open Rota, Birkdale may have suited Fox the best. Thomson described the course as his “favourite Open venue, an honest course that rewards an allround game, with particular emphasis on iron play”.

MERV WALLACE (GRANDFATHER)

Played cricket for New Zealand , 1937-1953. Tests: 13. Runs scored : 439 at 20.90 Headed tour averages, England, 1937: 1,641 runs at 41.02 NZ captain, 1953 Coach, New Zealand cricket team, 1956-57.

GRANT FOX (DAD)

All Black, 1984-1993, 46 Appearances. 645 Points as an All Black. Position: first five-eighth. Member of the winning 1987 Rugby World Cup team – world record points tally, 126. World record 30 conversions in a single World Cup, 1987.

How accurate that assessment would prove to be. Fox’s iron play over the final 36 was crisp and precise, and his putting astonishing — 50 putts in that final 36. Ryan’s own take: “I have just always loved links golf from the first time I played it. I love the creativity needed. I think, growing up in New Zealand we play in a fair bit of wind, so getting to do that and having to control your ball and hit some not-normal shots is really cool.”

GOLF | 27

Ryan Fox took 22 seconds to line up the winning 12 foot (3.5 metres) birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Birkdale during the Open Championship.

Last Round Highlights from the 154th Open Championship. – Courtesy of the R&A.

Those Fox/Wallace genes may well have come into play in the crucial final six holes. The technical skills were there, with no missed shots in the final stretch, but there were also two bad bounces to overcome. Knowledgeable analyst Geoff Shackleford put it well: “Fox overcame one of the cruellest bounces in decades when a nearly brilliant tee shot at the 241-yard 15th came up a few feet short and finished under the bunker edge.” Ryan’s mental strength was evident when he was forced to hack out backwards, Shackleford commenting that the 69th hole “would have destroyed lesser contenders”. Getting up and down from there for a bogey must have felt like a birdie to Fox. Sir Nick Faldo agreed on the recovery’s significance, observing that a bogey “is seldom the turning point in an Open win”. Fox’s touch and mental strength had kept him in the race for the Claret Jug. He would later comment, in his understated way: “That was a pretty pivotal hole for me.” On the 17th tee, his 320-yard iron 'safety’ shot resulted in an equally cruel forward bounce into a fairway bunker, spoiling his chances of an easy birdie. Standing on the 18th tee of the Rota’s toughest finishing hole, he was somehow still in the game. He smoked a 331-yard drive perfectly off the tee and then drew a perfect nine-iron 176 yards to 11’ 5” from the pin. They were, as Sky TV called it, “two

OPEN RECO S ’ RD Y X S FO LOWEST FINAL 36-HOLE SCORE

13O (Tied Tom Watson and Ian Baker-Finch)

LOWEST ROUND IN THE OPEN

62 (Tied Branden Grace, Lucas Herbert, and Sam Burns – all at Birkdale)

SCORES ON TWO NINES

Back nine Royal Portrush, 2019; front nine, Birkdale 2026. (Tied with Ian Baker-Finch, front nine Old Course, 1990; front nine, Royal Birkdale, 1991)

shots you could only dream of”. Fox described his clutch putt as something he had dreamt of all his golfing life — “a putt to win The Open”. Despite confessing that “everything was shaking that much, I was just happy to hit it somewhere near the hole, and to see it go in was incredible”. As the ball toppled into the left corner of the hole, Ryan Fox’s life was changed forever. He was the 2026 Champion Golfer of the Year, joining fellow New Zealander Open winner Sir Bob Charles, 63 years after the left-hander’s famous victory at Royal Lytham. Fox may even have changed the way golf is played. The huge amount of time-wasting in professional golf during preparation and execution of shots detracts from viewer enjoyment. Fox has demonstrated there is another way: an instinctive approach where a quick pace of play — he took just 22 seconds over that final putt — reduces pressure. Grant Fox will always be a New Zealand rugby and sporting legend, but it is tempting to wonder if he may sometimes be referred to in future as 'Ryan Fox’s father'. As for the 2026 Open Champion, the veteran golf commentator, Sky’s Ewen Murray, put it perfectly:- “It couldn’t happen to a nicer human being.” ▪

GOLF | 29

THEY SAID...

“(Fox) is a well-earned champion and hats off to him. He did what he needed to do down the stretch and ultimately I just came up a couple short today.” – Sam Burns “Even this week I was slowing down just because it was a major, but (Fox) just plays his own game and that’s something that I think everyone can learn off… When a fast player wins, it’s the greatest thing ever. He has a lot of grit.” – Min Woo Lee “I’m a little bit shocked myself watching it, but I knew he’d hole that putt on the last hole. That’s the way Ryan operates… I’m incredibly proud of him and his family.” – Steve Williams “Those last two shots, world-class. He beat the best players in the world. And to make birdie, to win the Open Championship, to be the Champion Golfer of the Year, I’ll tell you what, that’s up there with, I think, one of New Zealand’s (best) sporting achievements ever, ever, ever.” – Michael Campbell "Shared pride in the 'incredible feat' of beating the world’s best in a major under pressure." – Steve Alker “I just loved the way he handled adversity… He had two great shots on 15 and 17 that ended up in poor places. He didn’t whine about it; he didn’t let his head go down… ultimately, he prevailed because of his attitude and his perseverance through tough spots.” – Kevin Kisner “You’ve definitely had to show a lot of variety in your game and in your approach shots here this week… And Foxy flights the ball as well as anyone out here.” – Rory McIlroy “Again, congrats and well done, Ryan, on a great win! Good things happen to good people. We couldn’t be happier for you!” – Jack Nicklaus “I’ve never seen anyone hit a putt faster than that to win a golf championship!” – Kevin Kisner “When I saw that drive, I was like so relieved but like so excited, super pumped. I screamed as I went in. I closed the door and I screamed. I was like, ‘Yes!’ And my husband ran out and was like, ‘What’s happening?’ Ten seconds later I was just crying.” – Lydia Ko

30 | GOLF

Ryan Fox holds the Claret Jug as he stands with his wife Anneke and their two daughters, Isabel and Margot, at the public reception upon his return to New Zealand.

DISTANCE WITHOUT LIMITS.

EVERY GREEN A GREEN LIGHT. The new i540 iron gives you the distance and precision to take on any green. Tungsten weighting in the sole combines with a flexible face to produce the highlaunching, fast-stopping results that make every green a green light. InR-Air technology (an air bag inside the club) improves feel in the speed-focused design. See and feel for yourself how far the i540 iron can take your game.

InR-AIR TECHNOLOGY

MARAGING STEEL FACE

TUNGSTEN SOLE WEIGHT

Air pocket attenuates frequencies for improved sound and feel.

Forged, flexible face for more distance and stopping power.

Lowers CG in 4-7 irons for higher ball speeds.

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THE

GOLDEN PUTTER AT PING’S HEADQUARTERS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA, A WONDERFUL TRADITION UNFOLDS EACH TIME A GOLFER CAPTURES A MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A PING PUTTER. WORDS: GEOFF SAUNDERS.

‘‘ o celebrate the occasion, PING produces two putters to commemorate each Major victory.

One putter is a gold-plated replica, which lives permanently in the vault at PING HQ. The other head is cast in solid gold, mounted on a decorative wooden base and presented to the player. The solid-gold putter presentation to each PING Major winner was introduced by John Solheim after he became company president in 1995. The origin of the Gold Putter Vault can be traced back to PING founder Karsten Solheim, who began the tradition in the early 1970s as way to recognise professional golfers who won with a PING putter. The first win came in 1962 when 51-year-old John Barnum won the Cajun classic wielding a PING 69 model. There are now more than 3,300 gold-plated clubs held in the highly

34 | GOLF

THE RYAN FOX ANSER REPLICA WILL SIT SIDE-BYSIDE AT PING HQ WITH PUTTERS USED BY THE MULTIPLE MAJOR GREATS: JACKLIN, BALLESTEROS, TOM WATSON, FALDO AND NORMAN.”

Ryan Fox wields his PING ANSER putter after victory at The Open Championship.

GOLF | 35

THE PING ROLL OF HONOUR OF THE MEN’S WINNERS OF THE OPEN 1969 TONY JACKLIN

A-BLADE

1975 TOM WATSON

A-BLADE

1977 TOM WATSON

A-BLADE

1979 SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS ANSER 1980 TOM WATSON

PAL

1982 TOM WATSON

PAL

1983 TOM WATSON

PAL

1984 SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS ANSER 1985 SANDY LYLE

B60

1987 NICK FALDO

PAL 2

1988 SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS ANSER

36 | GOLF

1989 MARK CALCAVECCHIA

ANSER

1991 IAN BAKER-FINCH

ANSER 2

1992 NICK FALDO

B60

1993 GREG NORMAN

ANSER 2

1998 MARK O'MEARA

ANSER 2

2004 TODD HAMILTON

B60

2010 LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN

ANSER

2026 RYAN FOX

ANSER 2D

After Bubba Watson won the Masters in 2014, his solid-gold Tour-W 52-degree PING wedge was valued at $30,000.

secured PING vault. Wins from around the world by men and women are commemorated in the vault. Seve Ballesteros has the most total wins (47) in the vault. There are clubs other than putters kept in the PING vault. The unconventional 2012 Masters winner, Jerry (Bubba) Watson Jr, used a 52° PING wedge for his famous hooked wedge shot on the second playoff hole (the 10th at Augusta). Somehow, from deep in the pine straw, he fashioned a 160-yard recovery with 40 yards of draw on it to the green, 11 feet from the hole for a victory over Louis Oosthuizen. Bubba requested a solid-gold version of his wedge, so PING agreed to his request — using approximately US$30,000-worth of gold. Oosthuizen made a double eagle (Albatross) that same year on No. 2 at Augusta and PING has a replica of his 4-iron in the vault in memory of the shot. The Ryan Fox ANSER replica will sit side-by-side at PING HQ with putters used by the multiple Major greats: Jacklin, Ballesteros, Tom Watson, Faldo and Norman. ▪

SIX OTHER GOLDEN MOMENTS JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS WE FOUND IN PING’S PUTTER VAULT

SUZANN PETTERSEN

BUBBA WATSON

The most expensive putter in the vault is the Doc 15 that Pettersen used to win the LPGA Championship in 2007... it’s worth $30,000.

Ping plated the 52° Tour-W wedge Watson used to hit a miraculous 140-yard (128m) hook from the pine straw to win his first Masters in 2012.

SEVE BALLESTEROS

JOHN DALY

He’s got 47 putters in the vault for tour, Major and Ryder Cup victories. The ANSER is the most common model, with 33 Majors to its name.

One legend, along with Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Tom Watson, Payne Stewart and Lee Trevino, in the vault with at least one major title.

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN

TIGER WOODS

His albatross with this S56 4-iron on the second hole at the 2012 Masters (from 253 yards!) was one of the best shots ever at Augusta.

Tiger won his third US Amateur Championship in 1995 using an ANSER 2. Ping saw the title as important enough to deserve a gold putter.

GOLF | 37

19TH HOLE

THE

FAMOUS S ‘FOXY’

traight off the plane, one of the first stops for our Open champion Ryan Fox was his local bakery for some classic Kiwi comfort food: a steak, bacon jam and cheese pie.

PIE

Golden pastry gives way to a generous filling of tender slow-cooked steak, sticky bacon jam and melted stretchy cheese. Rich, savoury and deeply satisfying, the pie that has been renamed in Ryan’s honour, the 'Foxy Pie’. Once word got out, demand exploded. Queues formed early, shelves emptied fast, and more than 1,000 Foxy pies flew out each day during the initial fortnight. On the first Saturday after the attention hit, Roller’s Bakery had to close, simply because they were out of stock, according to co-owner Tamara Tait.

What began as one man’s airport craving has become a genuine Kiwi story: a local bakery, a national sporting hero and a pie so good people will queue for it. 'The Foxy' remains proof that sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest and most delicious. ▪ Available at Rollers Bakery, Northcote, Auckland.

38 | GOLF

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42 | GOLF

MARCUS WHEELHOUSE

COACHING

FOXY Top Kiwi coach Marcus Wheelhouse currently divides his coaching time between Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club and Heller Golf’s Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre at Clearwater. He enjoys coaching and mentoring other coaches but also maintains an enviable stable of elite pupils at different stages of their careers. In 2026, his coaching career has now been defined by guiding Ryan Fox to his stunning first Major win. He firmly believes Foxy has at least another Major win in him. THE CUT’s Geoff Saunders caught up with Marcus on the eve of the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club, outside St Louis, Missouri.

YOU WERE THE WORLD NUMBER 1 AMATEUR GOLFER IN 1995 — WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR AMATEUR GOLF CAREER? I think the two New Zealand Strokeplay titles I won were among the highlights of my amateur career, but there were some other good results for New Zealand in team events. Winning the Lake Macquarie in Australia and the Malaysian Amateur were up there for me as well. YOU TURNED PROFESSIONAL IN 1996 AND WERE NAMED THE AUSTRALASIAN TOUR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. DURING YOUR OUTSTANDING AMATEUR CAREER AND YOUR EARLY PROFESSIONAL CAREER, DID YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR MENTOR OR COACH TO GUIDE YOU? I was coached by Mal Tongue for a number of years. He taught a distinct method, the 'Washing Machine' and Nine Lines methods. He taught us all the same way, really; some of us got it while others struggled. Early in my pro career Mal was no longer available to me, so I had no coach for a few years in my playing days. YOU PLAYED THE CHALLENGE TOUR IN EUROPE FOR FIVE YEARS, HOW HARD WAS IT TO SURVIVE FINANCIALLY ON THE SECONDARY TOUR IN EUROPE? DID THIS EXPERIENCE HELP IN YOUR LATER COACHING CAREER? The Challenge Tour was tough, but it taught me a great deal. I tried to obtain my full European Tour card at Tour School and missed out by one shot on one occasion. More than one factor led me to retire in 2008, and I also had a few back issues in my time playing.

DID YOU START COACHING RYAN IN EARNEST FROM 2012? Grant asked me to take Ryan on, and I was already working with a friend of Foxy’s, Fraser Wilkin. I was coaching part-time at the JK’s range at Auckland airport. Grant was heavily invested in Ryan’s career, travelled with him a lot and financially supported him with (and funded) his travel expenses in his early days as a player. EXPLAIN WHAT YOUR COACHING PRINCIPLES WERE IN MAXIMISING WHAT APPEARED TO BE RYAN’S UNCONVENTIONAL ACTION? By the time I coached Ryan, he was 24. My philosophy was then — and still is — to make the most of what a player possesses. I always coach players within the boundaries of their physical makeup. Coaching Ryan was not like coaching a 16-year-old, for example. Ryan had a very neutral set-up but had huge rotation. So I had to adjust a few set-up and fundamentals to match that move. Ryan could get stuck and lose his posture a lot. Getting the club in front of him more was an early goal. I remember coaching him in the initial stages on the range at Remuera and asking him to hit a fade. The shot started 50m right of his target and was a huge block down the first fairway. WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALISE THAT RYAN FOX POSSESSED QUALITIES MANY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MAY NOT HAVE?

The money was pretty poor in Europe — some tournaments offered only 50,000 to 100,000 euros in total prize money and the expenses were high, particularly with the NZ dollar only equating to about 36p. It was a wonderful time in my life, though, spent with great friends and no regrets, seeing some amazing parts of Europe.

Early on it was clear Ryan was driven and was a real competitor. He was very strong and could move fast in rotation, which not many Kiwis could do — nor were they made that way. He could be a very good, but sometimes streaky, putter. Ryan is also a great fairway bunker player, one of the best in the game, as we all saw during The Open.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST SEE RYAN FOX PLAY? DID HE LEAVE ANY STRONG FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

APART FROM EXTREME LENGTH OFF THE TEE, WHAT OTHER TECHNICAL ASSETS DOES RYAN POSSESS THAT HAVE NOW TAKEN HIM TO MAJOR WINNER STATUS?

I vividly recall playing with Ryan at Wairakei in a GT (now the Charles Tour) event. He was exceptionally long; his father Grant was caddying for him. Ryan was a real natural hand-eye player, rarely missed the centre

44 | GOLF

of the face with anything, but he struggled to control his shape and start lines. He also had an impressive array of escape shots from trees and other trouble. He memorably stood up and knocked his drive over a creek and on to the par-4 12th green at Wairakei. No one else in the field could have reached it.

Ryan’s feel is great, and his visualisation of shots and creation of shots is one of his biggest assets to this day.

Ryan Fox celebrates with the trophy after winning the Myrtle Beach Classic 2025.

My messaging to him must be clear and make sense, but once he understands, he can do exactly what you ask him to do. There are great inherited sporting genes in Ryan, which is a wonderful asset. One of the best things about Ryan is, if you tell him he can’t do something, he of course goes ahead and does it. He is a classic competitor. AS FAR AS HIS MENTAL GAME IS CONCERNED, DO YOU HAVE A MAJOR OR MINOR ROLE IN HIS MENTAL APPROACH TO THE GAME? Ryan has worked for six or seven years with a separate mental coach, UK-based Karl Morris. He has also had a lot of input from his dad and many great sportspeople over the years. WAS A PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGE REQUIRED BY RYAN AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE DP WORLD TOUR TO THE PGA TOUR? Yes, the transition to the PGA Tour is not easy for every player from outside the US. Homesickness can be a factor, but travelling with a family can also be tough. But after a settling-down period, the PGA Tour has become easier for Ryan, as his results in the last two seasons show. He is comfortable there and has earned the respect of his fellow players on tour. RYAN BROKE THROUGH ON THE US TOUR AT THE MYRTLE BEACH CLASSIC IN 2025. YOU HAD A HAND IN THE BREAKTHROUGH AND WORKED WITH HIM IN TEXAS AT THE CJ CUP BEFORE THAT VICTORY. WERE THERE ANY THEMES FOR YOUR COACHING THAT LED TO THAT BREAKTHROUGH? I flew to Texas and caught up with Ryan at his request. When I arrived, his game needed some clarity on the plan, and it clicked into place pretty quickly. But his short game, pitching, chipping and bunker play, was quite a bit off. His putting needed work as well. The other really important part of the puzzle was convincing Ryan that he belonged and that the US was okay. The team had some cool dinners that week and we enjoyed good food — that was a game-changer. THE MYRTLE BEACH WIN WAS IN A PLAY-OFF, AS WAS THE RBC CANADIAN OPEN WIN. DOES RYAN HAVE ANY SPECIFIC MENTAL STRENGTHS THAT HAVE HELPED HIM IN THESE HIGH-PRESSURE SITUATIONS, INCLUDING IN HIS LATER OPEN WIN? Ryan can get into a very good external mode and under pressure that’s exactly where you want to be. I think that mindset was installed early in his sporting days. Ryan

did win those first two events in the US in playoffs, but there had been a few tough lessons learnt from playoff situations in Europe that gave him the strength to win in the US in playoffs. A FURTHER QUESTION: DO YOU BELIEVE RYAN’S FAMILY SPORTING GENES AND HIS FAMILY BACKGROUND IN TOP-LEVEL SPORT HAVE BEEN OF BENEFIT TO HIM IN THESE HIGHLY PRESSURED SITUATIONS? There is no doubt that Grant’s influence was important to Ryan, and Grant’s ability to cope well with pressure in his rugby career has transferred down to Ryan. His maternal grandfather’s genes [NZ cricketer Merv Wallace] did him no harm either, in the manner of his coping so well under pressure.

‘‘

RYAN BROKE THROUGH ON THE US TOUR AT THE MYRTLE BEACH CLASSIC IN 2025. YOU HAD A HAND IN THE BREAKTHROUGH AND WORKED WITH HIM?” WHAT DOES RYAN DO TECHNICALLY BETTER THAN MANY OF HIS PEERS? I don’t think Ryan is a technical player, but he is very instinctive compared to other players. I love his impact position; many players would love to do what he does through impact. He is great at playing to his yardages, which is an important skill. His play from 100-175m is one of his strengths, for sure. SIR BOB CHARLES HAS RECENTLY SUGGESTED THAT RYAN, AT THE AGE OF 39, SHOULD POSSIBLY EMULATE JACK NICKLAUS AND CONCENTRATE MORE ON THE MAJORS RATHER THAN REGULAR PGA TOUR EVENTS. DO YOU AGREE? I don’t think Ryan’s schedule will change too much. His schedule this year was not too bad and has included about

GOLF | 47

19 events, so it is not as though he is playing 35 events per year. He has just had a great three weeks off after The Open, but the Majors will obviously be a key focus for Ryan from now on. HAVE YOU HAD AN INFLUENCE ON HIS PACE OF PLAY, AND OR HIS MENTAL APPROACH UNDER PRESSURE OVER THE FINAL HOLES? Ryan has always been a naturally quick player — he makes up his mind quickly and does everything quickly. I wish I had a dollar every time someone has suggested to me that Ryan should slow down. I don’t want him to slow down; as long as he prepares for each shot, then I am happy. He does a lot of preparation while other players are hitting, then makes his mind up and goes. The one tough thing for him is, in the last few holes of a tournament when in contention, the pace of play can slow down. But Ryan has learned how to cope with that. DURING RYAN’S RECORD 62 HE SEEMED TO BE SUPREMELY RELAXED IN THE COMPANY OF XANDER SCHAUFFELE. WAS THAT RELAXED STATE OF MIND A FACTOR IN PRODUCING HIS STUNNING 62 ON 'MOVING DAY'? Correct. He and Xander were incredibly relaxed in each other’s company, and that contributed to the 62. They looked like a couple of mates out for a social round together. But, obviously, that was just a part of it. He played some great golf and his putting was unreal. AFTER THE THIRD-ROUND 62 AT BIRKDALE, WAS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC YOU AND RYAN DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF TACTICS HEADING INTO THE FINAL ROUND? The whole week was great. The team — caddie, manager, Ryan and me — were all staying together and during the week we had multiple chats about what if he won. Before the final round in the morning, we all went out and had a casual breakfast, and it was all pretty relaxed. But, yes, we did discuss the possibility of his winning The Open. Ryan was in the final pairing of the day, and we chatted that the 62 meant he was in the history books already, so regardless of what happened on the last day, we had accomplished something. The reality was, he was not a favourite to win. Of course, we thought he had a chance, even against such a fine player as Sam Burns, who was in the form of his life.

48 | GOLF

DID YOU FOLLOW THE FINAL 18 HOLES IN FULL, AND PRESUMABLY YOU HAD TO STAY IN THE BACKGROUND DURING THAT LANDMARK FINAL ROUND? I sent him on his way to the first tee with some words of final advice, I basically said, “Go out and just play, and no matter what happens the sun will rise tomorrow. Your family and I will still love you no matter what.” The next time we talked he was Champion Golfer of the Year. As you know, coaches are unable to communicate with their players during play. DO YOU BELIEVE RYAN HAS ANOTHER MAJOR IN HIM? WILL THE OLD COURSE AT ST ANDREWS SUIT HIS GAME DURING HIS DEFENCE OF THE CLARET JUG? I believe Ryan has another Major in him. As we all know, winning on the PGA Tour is extremely hard, let alone a Major. Next year, defending at St Andrew’s will be amazing. This is where he played his first Major in 2015, and he loves the course. Ryan is a very good wind player and if there is some wind, his chances seem even better. Keep in mind: he has won on links golf in Ireland and, of course, the Alfred Dunhill Cup on The Old Course in 2022. ▪

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LIVING THE

DREAM

TO PLAY IN THE MASTERS AND THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP IS THE ELITE GOLFER’S DREAM COME TRUE. BUT HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? ONE WAY IS TO WIN THE ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP. WORDS: TOM HYDE. Straddling the coastline: Te Arai's stunning South Course.

his year, Kiwi golf fans can witness that dream come true when the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) is played on the South Course of Te Arai Links from 29 October to 1 November. The field comprises the top male amateurs in the Asia-Pacific region representing the 43 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) affiliated organisations, including New Zealand. New Zealand has confirmed its six-player squad for this year’s AAC, with Zack Swanwick, Joshua Bai, Cooper Moore, Yuki Miya, Robby Turnbull and Ryan Xie set to tee it up at Te Arai Links in October.

‘‘

THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE AN INVITATION TO PLAY IN THE 2027 MASTERS AND THE 155TH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR THE OLD COURSE AT ST ANDREWS.” All six players are graduates or current members of Golf New Zealand’s Talent Development Programme and a testament to the strength of the pathway, each having built valuable experience internationally and domestically. The winner will receive an invitation to play in the 2027 Masters and the 155th Open Championship set for the Old Course at St Andrews. The runner-up receives an exemption into The Open Qualifying Series.

54 | GOLF

This year’s AAC is the result of collaboration between Golf NZ, the APGC, the R&A and Masters Tournament. Golf NZ CEO Jeff Latch said, “We are enormously proud to be hosting the AAC, Asia Pacific’s preeminent men’s amateur championship. As well as providing an opportunity for our elite amateur golfers to compete with the best in the world on home soil, it also provides us an opportunity to showcase New Zealand as a world-renowned golfing destination.” Last year’s tournament, played in Dubai, was broadcast to more than 190 countries, making the event the most televised amateur golf tournament in the world. The tournament is a 72-hole stroke-play event with a cut for the leading 60 players plus ties after 36 holes. In the event of a tie after 72 holes, the winner will be decided by sudden-death playoff. As Latch noted, there may be no better golf course to showcase New Zealand as a world-class golf destination than Te Arai Links at Mangawhai, about 75-minutes’ drive north of Auckland. Designed by the first-rate combo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Te Arai Links is ranked among the top 100 courses in the world. All 18 holes are played over fast, firm fescue and dunes, and 16 holes have ocean views. For added fun, Te Arai is also the home of what’s believed to be the largest putting green in the world. Te Arai managing director Jim Rohrstaff said, “We are incredibly honoured to be hosting the AsiaPacific Amateur at Te Arai Links. This is one of the top amateur tournaments in the world and run by some of the top organisations in golf. Having an event with the best amateur golfers in the AsiaPacific region is going to be phenomenal against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.”

NEW ZEALAND'S SIX-PLAYER SQUAD FOR THE 2026 ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

ZACK SWANWICK

COOPER MOORE

HOMETOWN: Napier AGE: 20 Swanwick is making his second Championship start in 2026 and first since 2023 when he finished T-12 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia. Earlier this year, the University of Florida junior finished runner-up in the Southern Amateur in Georgia and reached the round of 32 in the U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club. He was also part of the winning International team in the Arnold Palmer Cup in Ireland. In 2025, he represented New Zealand in the Eisenhower Trophy in Singapore.

HOMETOWN: Christchurch AGE: 18 Moore is making his third Championship start in 2026. Earlier this year, he finished runner-up in the New Zealand PGA Championship, reached the semifinals of the U.S. Junior Amateur in Pennsylvania and was named in the International team to compete in the Junior Presidents Cup near Chicago. In 2025, he won both the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Boys’ Junior in Hong Kong, China and Australian Boys’ Amateur and represented his country in the Eisenhower Trophy in Singapore.

YUKI MIYA HOMETOWN: Chrischurch AGE: 20 Miya is making his first Championship start in 2026. Earlier this year, he finished runner-up in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in Vietnam, reached the round of 16 in the Amateur Championship in England and recorded top-20 performances in both the New Zealand Open and Japan Amateur. In 2025, he won two World Amateur Golf Ranking events in New Zealand.

ROBBY TURNBULL HOMETOWN: Auckland AGE: 19 Turnbull is making his third Championship start in 2026. Earlier this year, the Eastern Michigan University sophomore closed his first collegiate season with top-20 finishes in six of his final seven events. In 2025, he won three World Amateur Golf Ranking events in New Zealand, finished fourth in the Junior Invitational in South Carolina and represented his country in the Eisenhower Trophy in Singapore.

JOSHUA BAI HOMETOWN: Auckland AGE: 20 Bai is making his fifth Championship start in 2026. He has never missed the cut in the Asia-Pacific Amateur and finished in the top 20 in his debut. Earlier this year, the University of Florida junior won the North & South Amateur in North Carolina to join 2005 U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell and 2008 U.S. Amateur champion Danny Lee as New Zealanders to win at Pinehurst No. 2. He also reached the round of 16 in the U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club.

RYAN XIE HOMETOWN: Auckland AGE: 18 Xie is making his first Championship start in 2026. Earlier this year, the Santa Clara University freshman won the North Island Under-19 Championship in New Zealand, reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Junior Amateur in Pennsylvania and finished runner-up in the Australian Boys’ Amateur and T-4 in the Western Junior Championship in Illinois. In 2025, he won the New Zealand Under-19 Championship.

Photos courtesey of Golf NZ.

GOLF | 55

‘‘

TE ARAI’S SOUTH COURSE IS AN EXCEPTIONAL VENUE AND WILL PROVIDE A FANTASTIC TEST OF GOLF IN A SPECTACULAR LOCATION.” – MARK DARBON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE R&A

The 17th green at Te Arai South Course.

The AAC was established in 2009 by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, the R&A and the Masters Tournament to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region. Mark Darbon, chief executive of the R&A, said, “We are delighted to be taking the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship back to New Zealand and to be staging it at Te Arai Links for the first time. “Te Arai’s South Course is an exceptional venue and will provide a fantastic test of golf in a spectacular location. Our goal for the championship is to continue to inspire and develop the region’s most talented players and we look forward to another outstanding edition in 2026.” The most notable past winner is Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who became the first Japanese player to win a Major at the 2021 Masters after winning back-to-back AAC titles in 2010 and 2011. Past participants also include 2022 Open champion Cameron Smith, who competed at the AAC in 2011

and 2012, and Siwoo Kim of South Korea, who became the youngest-ever winner of the Players Championship in 2017 at just 21 years of age. Over the championship’s 15-year history, the AAC has served as a springboard for more of the world’s top players, including 2018 champion Takumi Kanaya, 2021 champion Keita Nakajima of Japan, and Cameron Davis and Min Woo Lee of Australia — along with New Zealand’s two-time PGA TOUR winner and Open champion Ryan Fox. New Zealand’s best result at the AAC is third place, achieved by Peter Spearman-Burn in the 2009 edition (then called the Asian Amateur Championship); Ben Campbell in 2011; and Luke Toomey in 2016. Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said, “Helping to bring the 2026 AsiaPacific Amateur Golf Championship to Auckland is a huge win for Auckland Council Events. We can’t wait to extend our hospitality to everyone.” ▪

GOLF | 57

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HENDRY’S

MAJOR AMBITION

ON THE CUSP OF ACHIEVING GREAT THINGS IN HIS CAREER, MICHAEL HENDRY WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LEUKAEMIA. BUT AFTER A FIGHTING COMEBACK HE’S NOW EYEING NEXT YEAR’S OPEN. WORDS: REECE WITTERS.

M ichael Hendry knows what it feels like to win. But Clearwater, on his 44th birthday, was never going to feel like any other Sunday.

It was October 15, 2023 at Christchurch’s Clearwater Golf Club. The tee times had been pushed out so the field could watch the All Blacks play Ireland in the Rugby World Cup. New Zealand won, Hendry headed to the course and later that afternoon found himself in a five-man playoff on the Charles Tour. It was his second tournament back and only weeks since his final round of chemotherapy. Hendry won the playoff. Michael Hendry has won around the world, built a strong career in Japan, played WGCs and Majors, and even pulled off the rare feat of a Kiwi winning the New Zealand Open. But after everything that had come before it, this birthday win belonged in a category of its own. For most of Michael Hendry’s life, golf has been about chasing something. Then, in 2023, the chase stopped. Golf suddenly became a distant concern as his world turned upside down. Somewhere along the way, Hendry found something new to chase. There was still a story to write. The man had once been a serious cricketer. So why did he eventually turn to golf?

62 | GOLF

“I’d gone over to England and played a [cricket] season professionally and came back, and I think the workload of playing cricket for basically two years straight without a break put a bit too much stress on my body,” he says. “I ended up tearing a bicep tendon in my shoulder. During that period I wasn’t being selected for the representative teams that I thought I would be, so I had a bit more time on my hands. I decided to play a bit more tournament golf and kind of got the bug that way.” His first New Zealand Open at Gulf Harbour eventually settled the matter. The golf itself didn’t go to plan, but the vibe, atmosphere and experience of the week were everything he thought they would be. At 26, Hendry committed completely to golf. As a young professional, how far did he allow himself to dream? “I was never one to shy away from the dream,” he says. “I suppose there was a level of naivety there, which I think is actually kind of essential if you want to go a long way. You start getting those little things that prove that you can actually do what you set out to do. As long as you’re seeing these glimpses of achievement along the way, the dream can still become the reality.” The evidence piled up. Hendry found ways to win wherever his career took him, building more than two decades as a touring pro before, in 2017, claiming the crown jewel of his golfing career to date: winning his national Open and hoisting the Brodie Breeze Trophy. By early 2023, at 43, there was every reason to think another big chapter was about to be written. He had won the Vic Open, finished inside the top 10 at the New Zealand Open and booked his place at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

Michael Hendry celebrates winning the 2017 New Zealand Open. Hendry and wife Tara with the 2017 New Zealand Open Trophy.

Michael Hendry enjoying life with his daughter Maddie.

“I actually felt like ’23 was going to be the chance that I had to put that really solid Major performance on the board that I’d been hoping for,” he says. Then he started feeling ill. After returning from Japan, his health deteriorated rapidly. He was sleeping upwards of 18 hours a day. His doctor sent him directly to North Shore Hospital for blood tests, where Hendry fell asleep in a cubicle. “I got woken up to a doctor and three others. The doctor looked me in the eye and said, ‘I’m sorry to tell you, but you’ve got leukaemia.’ My initial reaction was, ‘Are you sure? It couldn’t be anything else?’ He said, ‘No, it can’t be anything else. I’m sorry’.” A few days later, Hendry called sports psychologist David Niethe. What he heard changed his approach to what lay ahead. “One thing Niethe said to me — and it just lit a fire under me — was, ‘Look mate, if you get well, you’ve got an opportunity to tell an amazing story. You could inspire heaps of people.’ It went from, ‘Oh my God, maybe I’m going to die,’ to, ‘Oh my God, I can do something really special. I can write this great story.’ That reframing was incredible.” Hendry spent seven weeks in hospital during his first stay, and chemotherapy stripped 16 kilograms from his body. Two days after returning home, he went to the gym. The first session lasted around three minutes before he ran to the bathroom to vomit. Next time he managed five minutes, then 10, then 15. What drove him to return to golf when he was still fighting to regain his health? “All of a sudden,” he replies, “I stopped thinking about me and I started thinking about what I could do for my kids. Regardless of whether Dad dies of this disease, whether it’s soon or whether it’s in a long time, at least I can show them that even in the darkest of times you can still push. I wanted to show

‘‘

THE DOCTOR LOOKED ME IN THE EYE AND SAID, ‘I’M SORRY TO TELL YOU, BUT YOU’VE GOT LEUKAEMIA.’ MY INITIAL REACTION WAS,

‘ARE YOU SURE?

IT COULDN’T BE ANYTHING ELSE?’ HE SAID, ‘NO, IT CAN’T BE ANYTHING ELSE.

I’M SORRY’.” them that life gets really hard, but it’s your attitude towards it that is going to make the difference. The way I could tell that story the best was by getting back and playing golf to a level that was as good as, if not better than, before. For me, it wasn’t so much about could I get back. It was when I was going to get back.” His daughters gave him plenty to push for. Weeks after chemotherapy came the Clearwater win, then a return to the New Zealand Open. Today, Hendry is down to a blood test every six months and still has plenty of golf to chase. Fittingly, one of his clearest routes back to a Major is through the tournament that delivered his greatest golfing achievement. The New Zealand Open now carries an extra prize beyond the national title — a direct pathway to

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The Open Championship, with a berth awarded to the leading player not already exempt. In 2026, that opportunity fell to runner-up Lucas Herbert after champion Daniel Hillier had already secured his spot. Next year adds another layer, with The Open returning to the Old Course at St Andrews and Foxy defending his Claret Jug. For a former champion with an outstanding record around Millbrook, Hendry doesn’t necessarily need to win the New Zealand Open again. A strong enough week could open the door to the Major chapter he still wants to write. And so, after everything he’s been through, what ambitions remain? “The one thing I haven’t done is a really good showing at a Major,” he says. “I know that when

‘‘

I play well, I’m a really good player. I just haven’t shown it at the Major level yet. I would really like to do that.” At 46, Hendry knows he doesn’t have endless cracks left at it. But he does know how to get it done at Millbrook, and that that could be his way back to The Open. Finally, when people look back on his career, what would he hope they remember? “I think mostly, someone who showed that when you get knocked down, you keep getting back up. I don’t care so much if people remember the victories. I hope they’ll remember my attitude to the times I got knocked down. And hopefully that can inspire a few people to get through tough times themselves.” Michael Hendry has already written a fair few chapters; some he could never have seen coming. And the story is far from finished. ▪

THE ONE THING I HAVEN’T DONE IS A REALLY GOOD SHOWING AT A MAJOR,” HE SAYS. “I KNOW THAT WHEN I PLAY WELL, I’M A REALLY GOOD PLAYER. I JUST HAVEN’T SHOWN IT AT THE MAJOR LEVEL YET. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO DO THAT.”

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TIGER QUIZ DO YOU KNOW YOUR TIGER TRIVIA? SEE HOW MANY YOU CAN SCORE IN THIS GOLF PUZZLER FROM THE CUT 'S TOM LONG.

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1. When was Tiger Woods born? 2. In which city was he born?

3. How old was Tiger when he turned professional? 4. What was the first PGA Tour event Tiger played as a professional? 5. How many Major championships has Tiger won? 6. How many PGA Tour titles are in his bag?

19. What irons did he use during his Tiger Slam? 20. What putter did Tiger use to win the US Amateur Championship in 1994? 21. What was Tiger Woods’ first PGA Tour victory?

22. What was his first Major championship victory? 23. What’s his lowest PGA Tour round score?

7. What was Tiger’s first European Tour win?

24. Which swing coach helped Tiger win his first eight Majors?

8. What was his winning score at the 1997 Masters?

25. What is the name of Tiger’s yacht?

9. How many Ryder Cups has Tiger played in? 10. How many Ryder cup points has Tiger Wood’s amassed in total? 11. What US College did Tiger attend? 12. How many times has Tiger won the US Masters? 13. How many times has Tiger won the US PGA Championship? 14. How many US Opens has he won?

15. How many times has Tiger won The Open Championship? 16. What was Tiger's margin of victory at the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach? 17. How many total weeks has Tiger Woods been world number-one throughout his career? 18. When did Woods complete the 'Tiger Slam' (the four consecutive Major victories from 2000 to 2001) ?

26. In what year did Tiger win his 82nd PGA Tour event? 27. Who partnered Tiger in the American team’s 2000 WGC-World Cup win? 28. How many times has Tiger won the Vardon Trophy? 29. How many times has he won The Memorial Tournament? 30. How many PGA Tour wins did Tiger have during his 2000 season? 31. What PGA Tour record did Tiger Woods set from the second round of the 2000 AT&T Byron Nelson Championship to the first round of the 2001 Phoenix Open?

HOW WAS YOUR SCORECARD? 1-12: All the gear but no idea 13-20: Get back to the range 21-25: A frustrated genius who three putts 26-28: Almost ready to turn pro 29-31: A trivia pro ready for the Majors

ANSWERS: (1) 1975. (2) Los Angeles. Cypress, California. (3) 20 years old in 1996. (4) The Greater Milwaukee Open. (5) 15. (6) 82. (7) The Johnny Walker Classic at Blue Canyon Country Club, Thailand, in 1998. (8) 270 —18 under par. (9) Eight. (10) 14.5 points. (11) Stanford. (12) Five. (13) Four. (14) Three. (15) Three. (16) 15 Shots. (17) 683 weeks. (18) At the 2001 US Masters. (19) A custom set of Titleist 681T forged irons, 2-iron to PW (20) Stainless-steel Ping Anser 2. (21) The 1996 Las Vegas Invitational. (22) The 1997 US Masters. (23) 61. (24) Butch Harmon. (25) It’s called Privacy. (26) 2019 (The ZOZO Championship). (27) David Duval. (28) Nine. (29) Five. (30) Nine. (31) 52 consecutive rounds at par or better.

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T LD DIFFERENTLY WE INVITED REECE WITTERS TO SHARE A FIRST LOOK AT THE PROJECT HE’S BEEN SHAPING WITH A CREW FROM GOLF’S CREATIVE FRINGES: THE NEW ZEALAND GOLF FILM FESTIVAL, HITTING THE ROAD IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2027.

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career-long golf creative, Reece Witters is now into his third decade working around the auld game. Golf is his day job, his night scroll and, given he was married in a green jacket, has a habit of finding its way into most other parts of his life too. Naturally, the next step was director of a film festival about golf.

"There has never been a shortage of stories about golf. But not all them make it to the surface. For a long time, the dominant picture of global golf has been a fairly traditional one — private clubs, pro tourneys, instruction, equipment and some of the older, stuffier perceptions the game has never quite managed to shake. Rightly or wrongly — and perhaps unfairly — that picture can obscure a much richer golf culture sitting beneath it. There are fascinating people, places, communities, subcultures and stories everywhere in the game. There’s a whole other side of golf hiding in plain sight. "That’s really where the idea for the New Zealand Golf Film Festival came from. I’ve spent most of my working life around golf — broadcasting, media, mag life and storytelling — and I’d find myself digging around for great golf films that weren’t always easy to find; edits often fighting a losing battle for attention with the short-form algorithm. At the same time, I’d look at the culture around surf, skate, fly fishing, mountain biking and adventure film festivals and wonder why golf didn’t have more of that. Golf deserves better.

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A different side of golf.

"The common thread is tone. The festival takes plenty of inspiration from surf and skate culture, a little more subculture and, at times, counterculture: golf away from some of the traditional aesthetics associated with the game. Still unmistakably golf, but viewed through a different lens. "The first year is deliberately a curation rather than a traditional open-submission, competitive film festival. I’ve been working directly with filmmakers whose work we rate and pulling together a programme that feels right as a whole. In future editions, we plan to open that up to submissions, categories and awards, and create another reason for people to go and make ambitious golf films.

"This game is ridiculously big, and it runs deep. Its culture is broad, weird and endlessly interesting, full of incredible landscapes, characters, history and subcultures. It felt like there was room to skip the news feed and project some of that in a big dark room, a space where people can sit down and give these stories their uninterrupted attention. "So, this coming summer, we’re taking a couple of hours of golf short films on the road around New Zealand — from two-minute oddities to 15-minute stories you can properly sink into. Despite the name, this isn’t exclusively a festival of New Zealand films. Around a third of the first programme will have a Kiwi connection, alongside work from international and award-winning filmmakers. Roughly half the films will be premieres of some description, with a few surprises pulled from archives and back catalogues that some brilliant filmmakers and producers have generously opened up to us. "The word filmmaker is important. Sure, golf content is booming right now, and this sits in a slightly different lane. Don’t expect much instruction, gear reviews or anyone telling you how to hit a 7-iron. It doesn’t all need to look polished, either. We’ll have beautifully shot cinematic work sitting alongside gritty handycam, Super 8 and lo-fi stuff that has a completely different kind of charm. Some films have deeper narratives and beautifully constructed stories. Others are there because we simply dig them. They don’t all need to explain themselves.

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And that’s already starting to happen. A lot of the filmmakers invited into this first year are out there making original work towards our preview screening deadline — films that will get their first life with us before, hopefully, travelling much further. Around them, some good humans are lending their skills too — experienced festival folk, people who know how to make things happen, and some brilliant partners and supporters coming along for the ride. There’s even a little international ambition in the mix. For now, though, we’re focused on making the first Kiwi tour great. We’ll be taking the programme into cinemas, community halls and a few more unexpected spaces around the country. Arrowtown during New Zealand Open week will be a big moment, as will Mangawhai — two places that, in very different ways, feel like beating hearts of modern New Zealand golf. There’ll also be some larger-format shows around Auckland, and selected stops will feature conversations and Q&As with filmmakers and some leading storytelling and media people. "Keep an eye out for us this summer, with tickets dropping in the lead-up to Christmas. A Kiwi-curated take on golf, with films and stories gathered from all over, we’ll be rolling out the green carpet for golf told differently — in a dark room, on a big screen, with a bunch of people. That’s the idea." ▪

www.golffilmfest.nz

The Golf Film Festival will go on the road with Reece Witters this summer.

THE MAN WHO WALKED AWAY

HOW THE GREAT BYRON NELSON CONQUERED GOLF, BOUGHT A RANCH AND QUIT THE GAME AT 34. WORDS: TOM LONG.

thought I knew Byron Nelson. I was wrong. That’s the thing about legends: we remember the name and a record or two, but we forget the flesh and blood behind the statue. We forget that the man who owns golf’s longest unbreakable streak grew up picking cotton and lived in a house without running water, nearly died as a teenager, became a golfing hero and walked away from it all at 34 to raise chickens. So here’s the question that haunts every golfer who hears his story: what kind of man retires at the absolute peak of his powers, after doing something that wouldn't be matched for more than 50 years and that took Tiger Woods' historic 2000 season to even get close? The answer begins not with glory, but on a cotton farm in Texas in 1912. Byron Nelson was born into abject poverty. No running water. No electricity. His family scraped by on what they could pull from the earth. He was picking cotton long before he could properly hold a golf club.

‘‘

SO HERE’S THE QUESTION THAT HAUNTS EVERY GOLFER WHO HEARS HIS STORY: WHAT KIND OF MAN RETIRES AT THE ABSOLUTE PEAK OF HIS POWERS?” In 1926, aged 14, Nelson caught typhoid — considered a death sentence in the 1920s. High fevers, internal bleeding, bedridden for months: Byron lost half his body weight. His family prepared to bury him. He survived, but when he finally got back on his feet, he was a shadow; weak, frail, desperate for strength.

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At 12, he had started caddying at Glen Garden Country Club. And here the story takes its first strange turn. Right alongside him, working the very same bags, was another quiet kid who kept to himself; a kid who would become Ben Hogan. It sounds like fiction — two of the greatest golfers to ever swing a club, met hauling bags together in the same Texas town — but it’s history. Nelson turned pro in 1932, in the teeth of the Great Depression. He worked as a club pro, fixed clubs, gave lessons; anything to scrape together the cash to enter tournaments. His first full year as a professional, he won just over $100. But Nelson was a thinker. The game was changing — hickory shafts giving way to steel — and he realised the swing had to change with it. He rebuilt his motion from the ground up, driving with his legs and keeping everything in sync, rather than relying on arm strength alone. The result was a fluid, repeatable swing that would become the template for the modern game. He essentially invented it without ever making a fuss about it. His breakthrough came at the 1937 Masters, only the fourth time it had been played. He shot 66 in the first round, the lowest score ever recorded in the tournament at that time — a record that stood for nearly 40 years. But 1937 was just the warm-up. The real story arrived in 1945. The numbers read like a misprint: 35 tournaments entered, 18 victories; among them, 11 consecutive wins, a streak that still stands as golf's most unbreakable record. For four-and-a-half months, Byron Nelson simply couldn't be beaten. He showed up, played, lifted the trophy, and did it all over again. The streak finally ended in Memphis, with a fourthplace finish. Think about that: 11 straight PGA Tour victories. The closest anyone has come since? Ben Hogan won six straight in 1948. Tiger matched that in 2000.

‘‘

NELSON WAS A THINKER. THE GAME WAS CHANGING — HICKORY SHAFTS GIVING WAY TO STEEL — AND HE REALISED THE SWING HAD TO CHANGE WITH IT.”

And it wasn't just the wins. His scoring average that year — 68.33 — was so far ahead of its time it stood for 55 years. It took Tiger Woods, at the heart of his own legendary 2000 season, to finally break it.

to travel and compete. He wasn't in it for the fortune. He was in it to prove he could do it. And once he had — once he’d bought his land and built his future life — he was done.

Now, you'll hear the usual objection: “Yeah, but it was during the war. The competition was weak.” Here's the counter: Sam Snead won six times himself that year. Ben Hogan came back from the Navy and promptly won five. Nelson was beating the best players alive. Period.

To put that in perspective: today, a player with Nelson’s record would command hundreds of millions in endorsements. In 1946, Byron Nelson walked away with less than US$200,000 in lifetime earnings. And he was grateful for every dollar. The ranch was worth more to him than any trophy.

But what drove him? What fuelled this otherworldly run? It wasn’t just glory. It was land.

But he didn’t disappear from the game. He became a brilliant commentator for ABC Sports, calm, insightful and generous with his praise. More importantly, he became a mentor. He took young players under his wing, especially the next generation of Texas golfers. Tom Watson always credited Nelson with teaching him how to really think his way around a course rather than just whipping at it. He passed that knowledge on freely, expecting nothing back.

Nelson had his eye on a 630-acre ranch in Texas. The price tag, $55,000, was a fortune in 1945. He later wrote that every drive, every iron, every putt was aimed at that goal. Each win meant another cow, another acre. Every shot was buying a piece of his dream. He bought that ranch in 1946. And here's the beautiful detail: the road leading to it is now called 11 Straight Lane. You can’t make this stuff up. He won six more tournaments in 1946, bringing his career total to 52 — the first player ever to reach that milestone. But something was changing. The pressure of the streak, the constant travel, the eyes of the world on him — it was taking a physical toll. His stomach problems, likely tied to the typhoid he’d survived as a boy, were getting worse. His body was telling him it was time. Sam Snead once asked him why he quit. Nelson’s answer is revealing: “I got so sick when the streak was over. It did something to me. I didn't care for it anymore.” So, at 34, at the absolute apex of his powers, with a Masters, a US Open (1939), and a PGA Championship (1942) already on his resume, Byron Nelson walked away. He went home to his ranch, became a farmer and ended up with more than 3,000 chickens. Can you imagine a top player today doing that — walking away from the game in their prime to raise poultry? Not very likely.

Here’s what I think gets overlooked: Byron Nelson was a genuinely good man. He remained a member of the same church his entire life. And long after the fame, long after the world knew his name, he still did the janitorial work there, mopping floors, emptying bins. The man who had conquered golf never stopped cleaning up after it. He passed away in 2006 at 94 years old. A few weeks before he died, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honour the United States bestows. It was a fitting tribute to a man who won everything, gave it all away and found something richer on a Texas ranch. ▪

For the full story, listen to the 'Legends' series on Tommy Does Golf, available at www.tommydoesgolf.com or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

But the economics were different then. Nelson once calculated that, despite winning US$187,000 in career prize money, it cost him nearly everything

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POET OF THE PUTTER

LONG BEFORE THE POWER HITTERS ARRIVED TO TAME THE WORLD’S GREAT COURSES, MASTERS OF THE FLAT STICK SET THE PACE. AND FOR MANY YEARS ONE MAN WAS UNBEATABLE. WORDS: BRENDAN TELFER. GOLF | 87

ust occasionally, golf dispenses with the brutality that has become the sport’s modern-day calling card. Who even raises an eyebrow these days at the sight of a Rory McIlroy or a Nellie Korda smashing another 300-yard drive? It’s called the power game. Nonetheless, down through the years many players have stamped their mark on golf history through their own carefully crafted skills, which haven’t always relied on power hitting. Bobby Jones, Moe Norman, Sam Snead, and their respective swings, established early benchmarks for hitting a golf ball smoothly and attractively. Ben Hogan’s swing showed equally inspiring technical perfection. In more modern times, do our eyes ever tire of watching Ernie Els’ swing? And let’s not forget Lydia Ko. Every time I see her on television I’d swear the live shots of her must be in slow motion, so languid and effortless is that swing of hers. But what about putting? Here, so it seems, decade after decade the practical has overridden the decorative. Putting is merely an exercise in mechanics, never a display of artistry. Yet, ironically, it’s on the putting green where touch, feel and imagination are paramount. Power putting, for example, has no place, especially on fast greens. However, the man many experts consider the greatest putter the game has ever seen was anything but a utilitarian when it came to getting that ball into the hole. He also happens to be the man who introduced poetry to the game of golf. If you’ve been playing this game for even a short time, you’ve probably heard golf’s most famous cliché about when or if you were ever fortunate enough to hole a 50-footer from off the green. Someone in your group would have recited golf’s oldest saying: “You drive for show but putt for dough." It was coined some 70 or 80 years ago by the man considered, yes, the best putter the game has ever seen. His name is Bobby Locke. I can’t imagine he ever made the cover of a golf magazine, because putting has never been seen as glamorous or sexy in the golf publishing business. When did you last — or ever — see Brad Faxon, for example, on the cover of a golf magazine? Faxon is

probably the best putter the game has produced over the past 20 years or so and considered a doyen of the art. Now retired, he is still in big demand as a coach by many of the game’s top players. Every time Sam Burns is in contention for a title on the US Tour, commentators will tell us, “He’s one of the best putters in the game.” He may well be, but that won’t get him on a golf magazine cover. And as for poor old Bobby Locke, it’s a crying shame how much of a forgotten figure he’s become. He died in 1987, a sad and tragic figure. Gary Player, however, has recently brought Locke’s unique putting skills to the fore again with a YouTube video (well worth a look) where he illustrates Locke’s unusual putting style, which largely defied textbook techniques. Locke adopted a strategy in which, for a straight putt, he would firstly aim a couple of inches to the right of the hole, then, as he brought the putting blade back to the ball, he’d put a little hook on it. He became a part of the USPGA Tour in the late 1940s, but his career in the US was cut short. The Tour ended up banning him, apparently because he was near unbeatable thanks to his putting. According to one prominent American golfer he was just too damn good for Uncle Sam! Gary Player has been left in no doubt that his fellow South African was the greatest putter ever to grace a green. Player asserts he’s never seen anyone anywhere as great at putting as Locke. So, for a perhaps more objective view on Locke’s putting I went to Sir Bob Charles, who played with and against him many times, especially in South Africa. Sir Bob (now a sprightly 90 with a remarkable memory) backed Player’s assessment of Locke a hundred per cent. “He was the best putter the game has seen,” said Charles. ‘’There is no question in my mind Bobby Locke was the best of all time. And, don’t forget, during his time in America he was regularly beating the likes of Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson — the best three golfers in the world at that time. He defied the age-old principle of putting, which insists the correct technique is square face to square face.”

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Sam Snead is another to echo the comments of Charles and Player, adamant Locke was the best putter he ever saw. “He’d hit a 20-footer and before the ball got halfway to the hole he’d be tipping his hat. He wore out all his hats from tipping them,’’ said Snead. Locke, incidentally, came to New Zealand in 1938 as a 20-year-old and won the New Zealand Open at Balmacewan. He also played an exhibition series here with Bob Charles in the mid-1950s. After the war, he’d quickly started to make a name for himself, particularly in Britain. With his reputation growing, he was invited to play on the USPGA Tour, an invitation he took up in 1947. What followed was astounding both on and off the course. Two and a half years after he started playing the US Tour he was banned, on ridiculous, trumped-up charges. Claude Harmon, who won the Masters in 1948 and whose son Butch coached Tiger Woods, said Locke was “too good, they had to ban him”. And they did. Another leading player of the time admitted, “We just couldn’t beat him.” And Locke’s record during the time he played in America rather bears that out. All up, he played in 59 PGA Tour events, won 11 times, finished runner-up in another 10 and recorded 30 top-three finishes. Not even Tiger Woods could match a record like that. In his South African homeland, Locke’s record was even more astounding. Over 20 years in South Africa he won every 72-hole tournament he played in. Clearly, he loved those South African courses he grew up on, but he also took a real liking to British courses. From 1949 to 1957 he won the Open Championship no fewer than four times — four Major championship titles inside 10 years. In 1959, Bobby Locke’s life took a tragic turn, from which he never fully recovered, physically or mentally. While on his way to see his wife and newborn daughter in hospital, his car, driven by Maurice Bodmer, a Cape Town professional, stopped at a railway crossing. Once the train had passed, Bodmer proceeded to cross the tracks, unaware that another train was coming from the opposite direction. The fast-moving train hit the car, which flew some 25 metres through the air and down a

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bank. For two days, Locke lay unconscious in the same hospital as his wife and new baby. For a month, he could barely open his left eye and after his release from hospital he suffered migraines, double vision, memory loss and severe leg pains. Medication and mood swings haunted his later life. According to Charles, Locke’s left eye was so badly damaged it effectively prevented him from lining up his putts with the technique he had previously used to such dramatic effect. It was the end of his playing career. And the psychological effect of that train accident hounded him for much of the rest of his life. In 1969 he was arrested for drink driving. Worse was to follow. Locke had contracted a painter to work on his apartment, but felt the work was not up to scratch. An argument over payment ensued, Locke pulled a gun and shot the painter in the shoulder. He was charged with attempted murder, paid a fine of 120 Rand and had his gun licence suspended for six months. In 2001, in a story on Locke, Sports Illustrated cited claims he had inflicted casual cruelty and physical abuse on his wife Mary, although she had apparently remained living with him. More health problems continued to plague Locke and in 1987 he was admitted to a nursing home in Johannesburg with meningitis. He fell into a coma and died the following day. Even after his death, tragedy continued to haunt his family. In 2000, Mary and their daughter Carolyn jointly committed suicide in what appeared to be a planned pact. The two were discovered in bed holding hands after drinking champagne to wash down the tablets they had been collecting for months. The pair had become reclusive and fearful of the area they were living in, convinced it had become a crime-infested suburb. And for some time before their deaths, Mary had been telling neighbours she “just wanted to be with Bobby again”. Locke should be remembered as one of the greats of golf, not just for his unique putting style but because of his remarkable golfing achievements and for his wonderful line in off-beat poetry, which will hopefully forever remind golfers of both the artistry and true value of putting. ▪

NZHO 2027

PLAYING THE PAST THE NEW ZEALAND HICKORY GOLF OPEN IS A CELEBRATION OF THE GAME’S PUREST TRADITIONS.

olf began on the windswept links of Scotland more than five centuries ago, with early clubs fashioned from local woods such as ash, hazel and beech. In the early 1800s, ships from North America brought a new timber that would transform the game: hickory. Straight-grained, strong and naturally elastic, it proved ideal for shafts. Craftsmen recognised how the wood stored energy through the swing and released it with smooth rhythm. Clubs became lighter, more consistent and more durable. By the late 19th century hickory shafts were the standard of championship golf. The golden age that followed was defined by these wooden clubs. Old Tom Morris, Harry Vardon, Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones all played with hickory. Jones completed his 1930 Grand Slam swinging with the natural flex, twist and vibration of the wood. Steel shafts were legalised in the mid-1920s and within a decade had largely replaced hickory. By the 1940s the old clubs had all but vanished from competitive play. Yet the spirit of that earlier game never disappeared. Collectors began rediscovering the clubs in the 1970s, and a modern revival slowly gathered pace. Today, hickory golf thrives again as a celebration of feel, craftsmanship and the purest traditions of the sport. That tradition returns to New Zealand in late January with the 2027 New Zealand Hickory Open, hosted by the Christchurch Golf Club. The championship offers the rare chance to experience the game much as it was played by the pioneers. As the second-oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere and with its course

restored to a more traditional links-style character, Christchurch provides the perfect stage for this hickory revival. Firm fairways, subtle green complexes and thoughtful bunkering reward rhythm, imagination and precision rather than power. The 2027 championship carries special significance. Sir Bob Charles, the 1963 Open champion and a former New Zealand Hickory Open winner, is expected to don his famous Charles tartan plus-fours once more. At 90 years of age, this is likely to be the last time he competes in the event. For those fortunate enough to play, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share fairways and stories with one of golf’s true legends. For the first time, the New Zealand Hickory Open will be contested over 36 holes in a single day. The format pays direct tribute to the earliest days of championship golf. When Willie Park Sr won the inaugural Open Championship at Prestwick in 1860, the contest consisted of three rounds of the original 12-hole course: a demanding 36-hole test. Entrants will now face the same endurance challenge, while divisional players continue over 18 holes. The arrangement allows golfers of every ability to play while preserving the prestige of the national title. Playing 36 holes with original hickory clubs reveals the challenges faced by the game’s first professionals. Fatigue influences decision-making, tempo becomes more important than power, and course management outweighs aggression. Every well-struck shot feels immensely satisfying.

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The week extends well beyond the Open itself. Participants can ease into the tournament with the 'Early Bird Roll-Up', then contest the Harry Vardon Challenge, the ANZAC Flask and International Nations Cup, and the New Zealand Hickory Foursomes Championship before Sunday’s National Open. The ANZAC Flask remains one of the week’s most spirited contests, a Trans-Tasman match that blends fierce rivalry with the enduring friendship between Australia and New Zealand.

Ultimately, hickory golf is not about looking backwards. It is about rediscovering the values that made golf great: integrity, sportsmanship, craftsmanship, creativity and friendship. In January 2027 The Christchurch Golf Club will once again become the home of hickory golf in New Zealand. Whether you come to compete, to watch, or simply to walk the fairways alongside Sir Bob Charles, the Hickory Open is sure to be a unique and memorable experience. ▪

Players will again travel from Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and North America. New Zealand will be strongly represented by Sir Bob Charles, multiple champion Anthony Doyle and many of the country’s finest traditional golfers.

NZHO 2027

HICKORY NOTE: Many competitors are first-time participants who borrow clubs and discover how enjoyable and competitive the game becomes when technology yields to feel and imagination. The hickory community welcomes newcomers and ensures everyone experiences the game as it was originally intended.

Heritage in every stitch. Innovation in every step.

The all-new Premiere Series

PROSHOP

FIT,

FORM&

FUNCTION

REDEFINING COMFORT, PERFORMANCE AND STYLE, GOLF SHOES FOR SUMMER FAIRWAYS.

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FootJoy Pro/SL TOUR-PROVEN SPIKELESS PERFORMANCE REIMAGINED. FootJoy’s all-new Pro/SL delivers aggressive traction and locked-in stability in a lighter, more athletic package. The Z-TEC upper offers targeted support and flexibility, while the ARCTrax/SL outsole provides Tour-rated grip without spikes. A StratoFOAM heel pad, OrthoLite X25 FitBed and wider Vantage Last keep feet comfortable through long walking rounds. Nylon spring plate and firm EVA forefoot maximise energy return and stability. Clean, modern and built for serious play.

ECCO Biom C5 NATURAL MOTION, PREMIUM PERFORMANCE. ECCO’s Biom C5 blends Scandinavian craftsmanship with BIOM Natural Motion technology for an anatomical fit that moves with your foot. Performance leather meets a lightweight mesh sock for breathable comfort, while GORE-TEX Surround delivers 100 per cent waterproof protection with 360-degree airflow. The FluidForm midsole and E-TTS outsole provide multi-directional traction and stability in any condition. Removable Ortholite insole, lace or BOA options. Exceptional all-day comfort from tee to green. GOLF | 99

G/FORE

MG4+ O2 Gradient G/LOCK ATHLETIC STYLE MEETS LOCKED-IN PERFORMANCE. G/FORE’s MG4+ O2 Gradient G/LOCK elevates the best-selling MG4+ with a sleek gradient wrap and traction. A water-repellent TPU upper stays dry, while the responsive Auxetic lattice midsole and external heel counter deliver stability and energy return. G/ LOCK cleats with replaceable Tour Flex Pro Softspikes, plus lateral lugs, provide intense grip for confident swings. Fully padded mesh lining and washable massaging insoles keep feet comfortable all day. Modern, stable and ready for the course.

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TravisMathew

NuAge Mega

MEGA CUSHION. MEGA GRIP. MEGA GOOD. TravisMathew’s NuAge Mega delivers tour-ready performance in a slick package. NuAge Foam technology supplies responsive energy return and all-day comfort, while a waterproof multi-layer upper keeps feet dry. A moulded heel clip and lock secure your footing and the TPU outsole with seven replaceable Softspikes® offers confident traction on every lie. Stylish, stable and seriously comfortable.

Callaway La Jolla SL

VERSATILE STYLE MEETS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE. Callaway’s La Jolla SL blends casual cool with clean, athletic lines, making it equally at home on the course or the clubhouse patio. A waterproof Opti-Dri microfibre leather upper keeps feet dry, while the ForgedFoam midsole and 5mm PLUSfoam insole deliver all-day cushioning. The spikeless dura-rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs provides reliable grip without the bulk of spikes. Lightweight, breathable and backed by a two-year waterproof warranty.

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5O TH

Anniversary

Natural Beauty 1 North West Anchorage, Omaha Beach | PH 09 422 7551 | www.omahagolf.co.nz

n o li a in l s e d al c A magi

MATAKANA COAST

IN AN AGE WHERE MANY DESTINATIONS MAY FEEL OVERCROWDED AND COMMERCIAL, THE MATAKANA COAST IS REFRESHINGLY AUTHENTIC. WORDS: GEOFF SAUNDERS.

Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail.

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f you are looking for a short luxury escape combining food, wine, golf and relaxation, few destinations in New Zealand have more to offer. And when it comes to dress style in the village, anything goes — from the very casual to very stylish and chic. Less than an hour north of Auckland, Matakana has gradually evolved into a sophisticated short-stay destination. The once sleepy rural settlement now offers a refined blend of boutique accommodation, vineyards, artisan food and coastal scenery. Matakana is ideal for a short two- or three-day stay, delivering an experience that feels distinctly international while remaining unmistakably Kiwi. The village itself is compact, stylish and effortlessly welcoming.

Boutique shopping in Matakana Village — the Saturday morning Farmers' Market is legendary. CHARLIES GELATO Over 40 flavours of award-winning artisan gelato and sorbetto in a beautiful garden setting.

The Matakana Pub

Pub classics, local beverages and extensive menu and beer selections. In summer, the out-front beer garden is a must-drop-by venue. Tip: the Pub Burger!

At its centre lies the famous Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday morning beside the river. The market is a magnet for visitors from Auckland and beyond for its gourmet breads, locally roasted coffee, artisan cheeses, fresh oysters and organic produce. Live music drifts through the air as visitors wander between stalls carrying flat whites and pastries. Matakana boasts excellent cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the village and featuring local ingredients and wines from the region’s vineyards. Long lunches are almost compulsory here. The nearby wineries provide elegant cellardoor experiences where visitors can enjoy tastings overlooking rolling countryside that, in summer, resembles parts of southern Europe. The village has a vibrant culture. The Matakana Cinemas offer boutique movie experiences with comfortable lounges, wine service and an atmosphere far removed from the multiplex feel of larger cities. For many visitors, an afternoon film followed by dinner and local wine has become a Matakana ritual.

Sculptureum Matakana is a museum and art park a few minutes inland from the village and has become a must for followers of art. The park combines sculpture gardens, galleries and an eclectic private collection displaying art for all tastes, from works by local artists to international pieces by the likes of Picasso, Rodin and Cezanne. The Brick Bay Wines and Sculpture Trail includes the spectacular Glass House Restaurant, designed by award winning architect Noel Lane. The light and airy restaurant is cantilevered over a lake, a wonderful place to try the specialty of the house, Pinot Gris, harvested from 25-year-old vines. Nearby galleries and artist studios add further depth to the area’s creative personality.

A visit to Sculptureum Matakana is one of the easiest ways to turn a free day into something memorable.

Seasonal dishes and boutique wines feature at the Brick Bay Glass House Restaurant. The Brick Bay Sculpture trail is a 2 km journey through native bush.

‘‘

BLUESTONE ESTATE – WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE.” – IAN BAKER-FINCH

Bluestone Estate Bluestone Estate is the private base for a New Zealand golf journey. Forty minutes drive from Te Arai Links, with the vineyards, beaches and long lunches of the Matakana Coast for the days between rounds, and for the companions who came for everything but the golf. Every stay is sole occupancy: your residence, your pool, your long table, and no timetable to keep to. The golf is arranged and the dinners are cooked, but service is yours to dial up or leave alone entirely. Qualmark Gold. Barefoot luxury, beautifully hosted.

Another special feature of Matakana is its proximity to some of New Zealand’s finest coastal scenery. The formerly underrated Omaha Beach lies a short 10-minute drive away and offers a spectacular stretch of white sand ideal for morning walks, swimming or simply unwinding beside the Pacific Ocean. Tāwharanui Regional Park, with its protected native bush and secluded beaches, provides a more rugged natural experience where visitors can encounter native birdlife in an unspoiled environment. For the ultimate in luxury accommodation Matakana's Bluestone Estate offers six beautifully furnished, residences, all within minutes of Matakana Village and the pristine coastline. Ranging from boutique accommodation for two, to estate accommodation for 18, these residences have stunning views and each boast a unique character. Think safari tents, cozy cabins, a rustic boathouse, a gorgeous farmhouse, and a ‘Hamptons meets New Zealand’ architectural home as the anchor residence. Unlike a traditional lodge, these residences are entirely private, catering to guests who want the luxury of setting their own pace. Bluestone guests can self-cater or take advantage of exceptional concierge services for everything from an awardwinning private chef long-table dinner to curated, authentic local Kiwi experiences.

Bluestone Estate: Elevated coastal charm with views to Mt Tamahunga.

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Bluestone Estate – a luxury homestead that can accommodate up to 14 people. Your private tennis court and pool await.

Relax with stunning views from the Bluestone Farmhouse deck over looking the pool out to the bay.

The Bluestone Estate Skywork Helicopter experience – just 14 minutes to Te Arai or 45 minutes to Kauri Cliffs.

Skywork Helicopter Service What better way to experience the Matakana Coast and beyond than from a scenic flight or a fast, efficient golf transfer to Te Arai or Kauri Cliffs — arriving at the golf course of your choice in style, relaxed and first-tee ready. SEE THE BEST FROM THE SKY! SKYWORK Matakana, conveniently located on the Tawharanui Peninsula, was established in 1997.

Bluestone guests (L-R) Ben Lynch, Geoff Saunders and Ian Baker-Finch heading for a tee time at Te Arai South Course, courtesy of Skywork Helicopters.

Te Arai: North course.

Te Arai: South course. Tara Iti golf course.

For golfers, the region has much to offer. Omaha Beach Golf Club is bordered by the sea on one side and a natural estuary on the other. The course is undergoing a careful programme of improvement overseen by its visionary administration team and highly skilled greens staff. Aside from the quality of the links course, visiting golfers will receive a friendly welcome underpinned by a choice of great food and beverages. Within a scenic 40-minute drive, three world-class courses beckon the golfer looking for genuinely world-class challenges. Te Arai (North and South courses) and members-only Tara Iti await. Visitors to the Matakana Coast can sample coastal golf at different price points, complemented by vineyard dining and boutique accommodation. Matakana offers a very balanced experience to visitors — stylish and sophisticated, yet charmingly unpretentious. ▪

‘‘

OMAHA BEACH GOLF CLUB NOW CELEBRATING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY.”

MATAKANA HOSPO HOTSPOTS COAST

Matakana Market Kitchen

Savour fresh local produce from a relaxed river-view restaurant — the ideal location for breakfast/lunch/ dinner — next to the Farmers ' Market.

Rusty Pelican

Serving the Matakana Coast since 1998, a relaxed restaurant destination famous for its extensive pizza menu (dine in or take home).

Jin Jin

Experience authentic Asian-inspired cuisine with the signature Red Seafood Curry. Open for lunch and dinner (with take-out options).

Vintry Wine Bar

Conveniently sits within the cinema complex and open from 3 pm. Try some local wines and order a 'cinema pour' glass for taking into a movie.

OBV Winery

OBV Winery located on the stunning Tawharanui Peninsula. Savour their premium wines at an organised tasting or simply drop in for a glass or two and an antipasto platter.

Village Kitchen

Chef Simon Hope will tempt you with a delicious selection of ready-to-go meals, including his award-winning Chicken and Leek pies and Braised beef lasagna.

Goose Bakery & Café

Sit back and relax in style — Goose is a family run artisanal bakery & café known for its hand-crafted sourdough and Polish-inspired pastries and cakes.

Ringawera Bakery

This is a one-stop venue in the heart of the village for sensational coffee, plus classical, simple and tasty take-out food with zero fuss! TRAVEL | 117

TRIP OF A

LIFETIME! IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO PLAY GOLF, WHERE WOULD YOUR DREAM TRIP TAKE YOU? AND WHICH THREE COURSES WOULD YOU JUST HAVE TO PLAY? WE PUT THESE QUESTIONS TO FIVE OF OUR REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS.

The 7th at Pebble Beach, California.

Cypress Point, Pebble Beach.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ DON HOPE

My dream trip would be historic in more ways than one. I would fly First Class to San Francisco, where, after a couple of nights at the (historic) Fairmont Hotel, I would hire a car and drive down to Carmel-bythe-Sea. There, I would check in at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands hotel (circa 1917) overlooking the ocean. After a good night’s sleep, I would have breakfast at the Carmel Bakery that’s more than a century old and the only business in town remaining in its original location. Its pastries, I am told, are 'to die for.' I would not leave town without trying the Monterey Bay clam chowder at the Treehouse Café. But foremost, I’m there to play the two AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation courses (I note Phil Tataurangi and Craig Heatley won the pro-am in 2003). You probably know of Pebble Beach from television coverage. It’s considered by many to be the numberone public golf course in the US. I would look forward

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The Pacific Highway, California.

to playing its iconic par-3 7th hole, which plays from an extremely elevated tee and often into the wind. And then there’s Spyglass Hill. As the website says,“If Pebble Beach is the Greatest Meeting of Land and Sea, then perhaps Spyglass Hill should be dubbed the Greatest Meeting of Sand and Trees.” I would look forward to playing the par-5 1st hole, with its sweeping fairway and collections of bunkers backed by a breathtaking coastal view that altogether make it one of the finest opening holes in golf. I’d also play Cypress Point, but it is extremely private, so I would need a member to take one of only 30 tee times a day. As I’ve read, the ocean is the ultimate water hazard on the 210-metre par-3 16th hole, which is believed by many to be the best single golf hole in the world. If not there, however, okay, I’ll settle for a round at Monterey Peninsula. Heading home, I would stopover in Los Angeles and hire a car to drive the Pacific Highway (a favourite road trip of mine) to re-visit Hearst Castle and Big Sur.

Spyglass Hill, Pebble Beach, California.

Tralee Golf Club, County Kerry.

Royal County Down, County Antrim.

Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush, County Antrim.

IRISH LINKS TOM LONG

Forget the tarmac and long queues, I would make my way by train to Holyhead and cross the Irish Sea to Dublin. From the deck of the ferry, I would watch the magical island appear on the horizon. Links golf is the purest form of the game. My pilgrimage? A return visit to The Emerald Isle to play three of its finest. I'd stay at a bed-and-breakfast, because the Irish are the warmest hosts on earth; every stay feels like coming home — you don't just get a room, you get a friend, a story and a welcome that stays with you long after you leave. With that in mid, I'd eat and drink at local pubs. The problem? The Irish are far too generous with their pours, and you’re almost guaranteed a 'lock-in' or two, so I’d book afternoon tee-offs. I’d play the Tralee Golf Club in County Kerry. It’s Arnold Palmer's first European design, perched on rugged cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. The original nine-hole club dates to 1896. Palmer’s masterpiece opened in 1984. The King himself said at the time: “I designed the first nine, but God designed the back nine.” Many of the holes are played with spectacular ocean views. The back nine meanders through towering coastal dunes.

Next, I’d play the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush in County Antrim, the only course outside England and Scotland on The Open rotation. This Harry Colt masterpiece, redesigned in 1929, hosted golf's oldest Major in 1951 and again in 2019. The course tests every club in your bag, especially 'Calamity Corner', the famous par-3 16th hole. Finally, Royal County Down, the championship course, in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, which is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world. It rests beneath the Mourne Mountains along Dundrum Bay. Old Tom Morris, George Combe, Harry Vardon and Harry Colt all played a hand in creating this masterpiece where the game has been played since 1889. It’s a par-71 links stretching over 7,100 yards of rugged, heather-fringed terrain.

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Muriwai Golf Club.

HOME PLEASURES BRENDAN TELFER

There are about 40,000 golf courses in the world. Most golf fanatics, this one included, can only dream of playing the best of them. But if I were 40 years younger, I would. Three a day (with a cart) would see me tote up around a 1,000 a year — with a sprinkling of days off for travel and recovery. And, after 40 long, fruitless years chasing that silly little white ball, I could call it quits and then take up lawn bowls until the Grim Reaper came calling. However, such is the tantalising spread of quality golf courses in New Zealand (around 400) with green fees ranging from $10 to $750, you don’t need to roam the world to experience your dream golf trip. With all due respect to the Pebble Beach, Augusta National and the likes of Royal Birkdale (sorry Foxy), this corner of the world will satisfy me. I’d first play Muriwai Beach, west of Auckland. Yes, I’m unashamedly oldschool. Alister MacKenzie old-school. Lay out 18 holes near the sea and there you have it: your perfect golf course designed and built by nature.

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Next, I’d play Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary at Lake Taupo. Walk around this beautiful private, untouched work of nature and you know you can only be in New Zealand. And it’s a bloody damn good test of your golf. I would not ignore the South Island, where there are plenty of superb courses, especially in the deep south with the likes of like Jack’s Point and Millbrook. For me it’s a close call, but I’ll go with Jack’s Point for its worldclass, breathtaking views of the Remarkables range and Lake Wakatipu. Where would I stay? For the chance to play those three courses back-to-back, I’ll take a tent and a sleeping bag and pitch near the practice putting green.

Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary.

Jack's Point.

Bandon Dunes.

Pacific Dunes. Bandon Trails.

NORTH BEND, OREGON TOM HYDE

I would fly Business Class on Air New Zealand to San Francisco and, as my flight from Auckland would arrive in the city by the bay in the morning, I would connect to a regional airline serving North Bend, Oregon. Flight time is less than two hours and the drive from that airport to this utterly unique golf complex — with its seven courses, six options for accommodation, and many choices for dining — is under an hour. I would have booked a room at The Lodge, the hub of resort activity, with rooms featuring views of the Bandon Dunes course and the Pacific coast. Choosing from 10 diverse food outlets would be fun. I’d be okay with the Sea scallops on roasted corn, English peas, cipollini onion and miso jalapeno butter from the Pacific Grill. On another day, after golf, it might be Granda’s Meatloaf with garlic mash, green beans, beef gravy and haystack onions at McKee’s Pub. My first day out, I’d play Bandon Dunes, the original course, open since 1999 and designed by Scotsman David McLay Kidd. The course is perched on a bluff high above the Pacific Ocean, with sea views. With luck, the wind will be elsewhere. Next, I’d play Pacific Dunes, a Tom Doak design that opened two years after Bandon Dunes. Here, as the website notes, “rippling fairways remain just as they were found, and natural bunkers line the landscape as they have for centuries”. My third choice, playing three courses in three days, would be Bandon Trails, a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw work of art that opened in 2005. “Bandon Trails,” we’re told,“begins atop a massive sand dune, then quickly opens into a sprawling meadow. The routing then works higher into the coastal forest, before finally returning to finish in the dunes.” Okay, so on my return home I might stopover in San Francisco and join an old friend from school days for dinner at the Tadich Grill.

MARVELLOUS MAURITIUS

GEOFF SAUNDERS

Like most golfers, I have a bucket list of courses I still hope to play. One destination on that list is Mauritius, a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa, and a golf wonderland. And I’m not actually dreaming, because I plan to fly there from Scotland next year after watching Ryan Fox successfully defend his Open Championship title at St Andrews.

Golf at The Bay Club is complimentary for guests staying at the resort. Our first course will be Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club designed by Bernhard Langer. It occupies its own island and is reached by a short boat ride from the resort. The fairways wind through volcanic rock and shimmering lagoons. No doubt we will be distracted by breathtaking ocean views throughout our round.

Believe it or not, this tiny island east of Madagascar offers one of the world’s great golfing experiences. It’s been strongly recommended to me by my old Scottish golf-writing colleague Malcolm Campbell. We will arrive there from Edinburgh on Emirates Business Class via Dubai. My favourite golfing partner and I will stay at The Bay Club at Anahita.

Our second round will be played at Anahita, one of Ernie Els’ best designs. It’s located near another of the island’s stunning lagoons. Six holes hug the ocean. After golf we will relax on the estate’s dedicated beach area on the Ile aux Cerfs, where daytime temperatures are perfect for golf, ranging between 21°C and 25°C.

Heritage Golf Club - La Reserve Golf Links, Mauritius.

The final course on our spectacular itinerary will be the La Réserve Links at Heritage Golf Club – a scenic 90-minute drive from our resort. This Louis Oosthuizen/ Peter Matkovich layout combines modern links and spectacular coastal views. Pot bunkers abound, with elevation changes and rumpled fairways: just the kind of golf course that rewards patience and requires a variety of shots rather than sheer length. Of course, golf will be only part of the picture. Food is another attraction in Mauritius, with an enticing blend of French, Indian, and Creole cuisine. The beaches are spectacular and uncrowded and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are ideal for soothing the body after golf. ▪

Anahita Golf Course, Mauritius. Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, Mauritius.

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MUIRFIELD

HISTORY AT EVERY HOLE

PAUL PRENDERGAST STEPS ONTO THE HALLOWED TURF OF MUIRFIELD LINKS, HOME TO THE HONOURABLE COMPANY OF EDINBURGH GOLFERS.

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The 5th at Muirfield Links.

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Looking down the 18th fairway to the iconic Muirfield clubhouse. View from the clubhouse out to the 18th green.

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t’s advertised as Scotland’s ‘Golf Coast’, the strip heading east from Edinburgh and along the coast of the Firth of Forth to Dunbar. Here you’ll find a concentration of some 25 links courses to inspire those who love the feel of firm turf under their feet and the challenge of what the Scots might call a ‘lazy’ wind — one that goes through, rather than around, you. Many of these links can trace their roots back to at least the 19th century, with some having had a profound impact on the game of golf from both a cultural and architectural standpoint.

for par from behind the 17th green in the 1972 Open is chief among them, followed by playing partner Tony Jacklin’s equally improbable three-putt to lose the lead. Trevino’s may not be so improbable, given he had several hole-outs from off the green at key moments that weekend. Nick Faldo produced a knock-down 5-iron from close range at the 15th hole to begin a withering final four-hole run to victory in 1992, a shot that his longtime caddie Fanny Sunesson rates as the best she ever saw him play.

Nestled in the centre of this prime golfing land is the undisputed jewel in the so-called crown, the Muirfield links, home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. The history of the distinctly private Muirfield is littered with tales of the many high-profile names, and even royalty, that have had requests to play the course declined, particularly at short-notice. The story of major champions Tom Watson, Ben Crenshaw and friends being brusquely removed from the course by a flashlight-wielding club secretary — after sneaking out from nearby Greywalls Hotel to play a few holes in the evening with hickory clubs just hours after Watson had secured his third Claret Jug in1980 — is legendary. That said, a tee time is to be cherished, as Muirfield is all about the golf. Bringing along a caddie, observer or photographer is not permitted; the experience is purely for those fortunate enough to be on the tee sheet that day. Grateful for the opportunity and mindful of the history of Opens contested over the links, it’s impossible not to set out from the first tee with anticipation at the prospect of playing holes that have defined so many championships. Many of the more memorable shots seared into Open folklore have occurred over the closing stretch of holes. Lee Trevino’s improbable chip-in

Then there’s the series of fantastic approaches — Trevino again in ’72, Faldo in both ’87 and ’92 and Phil Mickelson in 2013 — to seal victories at the venerable 18th, set in an amphitheatre of thousands of fans beneath the iconic yellow Open leaderboard. None of my UK-based playing partners on this day knew any of the above, mind you, happy enough as they were to be simply working through personal bucket lists of Open Rota courses, without any knowledge of the actual details of any of the Opens staged here.

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However, my pointing out the ‘Els bunker’ over there and that “such and such did this from here” seemed to enhance their experience, even if I wasn’t quite so sure if they’d heard of Trevino or even Els for that matter. Courtesy of Rory McIlroy (whom they did know), that year, 2025, will go down as one that another career Grand Slam was etched into the record books, but back in 1966 it was a 26-year-old Jack Nicklaus who claimed the Open Championship at Muirfield to collect his own modern slam of all four majors. The golf course that year was flint hard and the rough so high one player suggested “they should be exporting it with the whisky”. Nicklaus adopted a cautious game plan in those dry, windy conditions by taking more long irons from the tee than drivers, even to the point of hitting a long iron from the tee at the par-five 17th and still reaching the green in two with a 5-iron.

“In 1744, Edinburgh Town Council agreed to present a Silver Club to the winner of an annual golf competition on the Links of Leith. The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, later renamed The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, codified and wrote the original Rules of Golf as a pre-condition of receiving the Club.” Competition for the Silver Club continues among the members to this day, with the world’s oldest golf trophy on display in the Muirfield clubhouse.

Playing the golf course on a November day, impacted by showers for more than half the round, however, was a far cry from the circumstances in which these great champions prevailed.

History shows that early feedback from members on their new course was mixed, but the layout was expanded in the 1920s, when additional land was acquired and the legendary Harry Colt was engaged to redevelop the golf course. Colt, and later, Tom Simpson, introduced several new holes,but retained original designer Old Tom Morris’ famous routing — the nines in concentric circles, the back nine within the front — that remains largely intact today.

As a first-time visitor soaking in my surrounds, marvelling at the flow of each hole and the beautifully crafted yet extremely ominous bunkering, it’s easy to ponder what the early members of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers must have thought as they began to navigate their new home.

Magnificent vistas of the Firth of Forth arise from the first hole but then come and go as you traverse the course within its perimeter of weathered stone walls. Looking beyond the walls, undeveloped dunes land leading down to the coastline underlines just how blessed this area is for superb links terrain.

Having relocated from a crowded Musselburgh links located inside a racetrack just outside Edinburgh in 1891, making the 13-mile trip along the East Lothian coast to the course near the village of Gullane must have felt like an eternity at the time.

Muirfield has often been considered the ‘fairest’ test of the Open rota courses and it quickly becomes clear why. Apart from the tee shots on the 6th and 11th holes — where you need to drive over the crest of dunes to blind fairways beyond — almost everything you need to know is laid out in front of you.

Mickelson also chose discretion as the better part of valour by leaving a driver out of his bag for the entire week of his 2013 victory.

The move was not the first the company had endured, having spent close to a hundred years from the early 1700s at the Leith Links before moving to Musselburgh in 1836. The original site of Leith Links remains as a public park and recreation area in Edinburgh, where a statue and plaques recognise the links’ significance in the development of a now-global game. The club’s website describes how the first Rules of Golf grew from the creation of an annual competition on the Leith Links:

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OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Phil Mickelson plays his shot into the 18th green on his way to win the 2013 Open Championship. BOTTOM: Jack Nicklaus celebrates with the Claret Jug after winning the 1972 Open Championship at Muirfield Links.

Fairway bunkers are mostly visible from the tee, and narrow fairways add to the importance of driving well. The same applies to avoiding greenside bunkers, most of which are fed by closely mown surrounds and slopes to ensure misplaced shots inexorably lead to a sandy and often vertically faced grave. In fact, reflecting on the experience, it’s safe to say that any aspirations of scoring well rely on the execution of solid golf shots to the right positions

‘‘

THE 13TH PLAYS UPHILL TO A VERY NARROW TARGET SET AMONG THE DUNES. FINDING THE PUTTING SURFACE ALONE WILL NOT GUARANTEE PAR, AS THE GREEN SLOPES CONSIDERABLY FROM BACK TO FRONT.”

The 12th green at Muirfield.

from holes 1 through 18. The same can, of course, be said of any golf course, but at Muirfield ‘breather’ holes are in very short supply. By comparison with other Open courses, targets from the tee are more narrowly defined by high rough, and the routing alone guarantees a diversity in wind directions and, subsequently, the need to use just about every club in the bag. And from the standpoint of opening and finishing holes, there are few courses on the Open rota with a more difficult pair to bookend a round than those you will encounter at Muirfield. An opening 450-yard par-4 quickly demands your attention perhaps more than other ‘warm handshake’ starters, and the 18th is as tough as it comes when a par is required to post a decent score or with a championship on the line. Again, it’s a tee shot that simply demands something long and straight to avoid bunkers and rough, but the examination only gets tougher into a narrow target with a long club in hand. With honourable members watching on from the clubhouse windows, it’s also a green that is appreciably more undulating and difficult to twoputt than had occurred to me from watching past broadcasts. The stout collection of par-3s stand out as ‘easy bogies’ if you don’t find the putting surfaces, the pick of them for mine being the 13th, which plays uphill to a very narrow target set among the dunes. Finding the putting surface alone will not guarantee par, as the green slopes considerably from back to front. Despite universal admiration from top-tier players throughout the generations, Muirfield has never been a rich hunting ground for antipodean golfers at either a men’s or women’s Open. I’m sure Australians Steve Elkington and Stuart Appleby would attest to this, as both were involved in one of the more bizarre playoffs in major championship history. Both were among four players tied at the end of regulation play in 2002 and were sent out in a fourhole playoff in two groups of two, with South African Ernie Els ultimately prevailing in sudden death after five holes against Thomas Levet.

Sir Bob Charles played in three Opens (1966, 1972 and 1980) at Muirfield, making the cut in all three with a best result of T15 behind Watson in 1980. Even the great Peter Thomson’s amazing Open Championship record — five wins and four additional top-three finishes — was not particularly helped by his record at Muirfield, albeit he did record a top-10 finish in 1966. Aside from the Women’s Open in 2022, the men’s Open has not been staged at Muirfield since 2013 following the R&A’s decision to remove the club from the rota due a male-only membership policy that dated back some 275 years. It’s fair to say that Muirfield was not the only club on the planet that had such policies in place, but the club realised the need to change and modernise. A significant investment in clubhouse facilities was undertaken to support a mixed membership, but that’s where the gender distinctions end. The centuries-old traditions of matches and member dinners continue to thrive. As the R&A deliberated over the host of issues and logistical challenges, their decision on who would stage the 2028 Open Championship took considerably longer than in recent years. They considered the Women’s Amateur staged in June — the first time the club had hosted this championship — a resounding success and, alongside the likes of Portmarnock, Turnberry and Royal Lytham St Annes, Muirfield was a street-corner among the frontrunners to host The Open in 2028. Muirfield’s bid certainly had a champion in its corner in Rory McIlroy, who joined a queue of notables rooting for The Open to soon return to East Lothian’s finest links. “It’s a wonderful course. It’s one of the best courses on the rota and in the UK,” McIlroy said recently, despite having to recall one of his “career low points” when missing the cut there in the 2013 Open. Like McIlroy, however, the club, and most golf fans with an eye to history, will be hoping the wait to see this superb links host another Open Championship will not be too distant. ▪

GOLF | 139

Deck 16 aboard Oceania Vista.

GOLF AT

SEA THERE ARE TWO THINGS THE CUT ’S DON HOPE REALLY LOVES: CRUISING AND GOLF. COMBINE THE TWO AND FOR HIM IT’S SIMPLY NEXT LEVEL.

magine my delight on day one of a recent voyage aboard Oceana Cruises’ Oceania Vista, when I discovered in Currents, the ship’s daily newsletter, that 'Golf at Sea' was on the programme. At 2.30pm each afternoon, the entertainment team hosted a putting challenge on Deck 16. I was there. What I discovered was something of a golfer’s surprise. The sports deck featured a generous driving bay and an 18-hole mini-golf course in the character of a Scottish links — dramatic shaping, massive boulders and miniature bunkers included. I’ve played my share of mini-golf courses around the world, and this one was seriously impressive.

GOLF | 141

The sports deck featured a generous driving bay and an 18-hole mini-golf course in the character of a Scottish links. The Pool Bar was the perfect 19th hole for some banter and a cold Grolsch beer.

Then there was the setting: blue skies, an endless teal ocean and a gentle sea breeze; not exactly the worst backdrop for a round of golf. Sadly, I never managed to win the Putting Challenge. But that hardly mattered. The fun was in competing, meeting fellow passengers and, naturally, retreating afterwards to my new 19th hole — the Pool Bar, one deck below — for a well-earned cold one. For those whose sporting ambitions extend beyond golf, Vista offers shuffleboard, pickleball, paddle tennis, bocce and croquet. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym and a running track for the seriously committed. But for me, there was only one choice: golf at sea. Now that’s my kind of cruising. ▪

142 | GOLF

BELIEVE IN FASTER

Find your local Callaway Authorised Retailer

CALLAWAYGOLF.COM.AU

GOLF DIARY

FIJI! FIVE-STAR

FIJI GOLF INVITATIONAL 26 June-3 July 2027 Hosted by Fiji Marriott Momi Bay and Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort and presented by PaR nz Golfing Holidays, expect championship golf and more over one extraordinary week. Following the outstanding success of the refreshed 2026 format, 2027 promises to be bigger, better and every bit as spectacular. PaR nz Golfing Holidays’ second edition of the Fiji Golf Invitational includes four nights at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay and three nights at Sheraton Fiji or the re-opened Westin Fiji, plus five rounds of championship golf over two great courses: Natadola Bay GC and Denarau Golf and Racquet Club. Unforgettable social events and the legendary warmth of Fijian hospitality make for one unforgettable week. Enjoy daily breakfast and an impressive choice of restaurants and bars showcasing fresh local flavours alongside international favourites. And when you’re not on the golf courses you can swim, snorkel, relax or explore. After each round, grab a seat, share stories and enjoy the camaraderie that has quickly become one of the Fiji Golf Invitational’s biggest attractions. ▪ For more information, contact Denise or Kim at PaR nz Golfing Holidays. www.parnz.co.nz

AN UNFORGETTABLE GOLF EXPERIENCE BARFOOT & THOMPSON BAY OF PLENTY

5 COURSE

CLASSIC 18-22 January, 2027

146 | GOLF

Celebrating its 32nd year, the Classic continues its proud tradition of bringing golfers together from across New Zealand and around the world, creating lasting friendships and unforgettable golfing experiences. More than 350 golfers converge on the beautiful Bay of Plenty to play five outstanding championship courses in five days, all set within one of New Zealand’s favourite summer holiday destinations. Between rounds, unwind on spectacular beaches, browse boutique shops, savour award-winning cafés and restaurants, and experience the warm hospitality that has become a hallmark of the Classic. Whether you’re returning to reconnect with old friends or teeing it up for the very first time, the Barfoot &

2027 MEN’S MAJORS THE MASTERS

8-11 APRIL Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, USA

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

20-23 MAY Fields Ranch East, Texas, USA

US OPEN

17-20 JUNE Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, USA

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

15-18 JULY The Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland

2027 WOMEN’S MAJORS CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP 22-25 APRIL Memorial Park GC, Texas, USA

US WOMEN’S OPEN 3-6 JUNE Inverness Club, Ohio, USA

KPMG PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 24-27 JUNE Congressional CC, Maryland, USA

AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

8-11 JULY Evian Resort Golf Club, Évian-les-Bains, France

AIG WOMEN'S OPEN

28 JULY-1 AUGUST Royal St George's, Sandwich, England

2026/27 NEW ZEALAND EVENTS SUMMERSET CHARLES TOUR INVERCARGILL OPEN Thompson Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic promises an unforgettable week of exceptional golf, great company and memories that will last a lifetime. Play these five great Bay of Plenty courses:

• Fairview Golf Club • Mount Maunganui GC • Omanu GC • Omokoroa GC • Tauranga GC For more information, contact Denise or Kim at PaR nz Golfing Holidays. www.parnz.co.nz

17–19 DECEMBER The Langlands Invercargill Golf Club, Invercargill

NZ HICKORY OPEN 30-31 JANUARY Christchurch GC

SUMMERSET CHARLES TOUR QUINOVIC NZ PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

11-14 FEBRUARY Paraparaumu Beach GC

106TH NZ OPEN

25-28 FEBRUARY Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown

NZ WOMEN’S OPEN

18-21 MARCH Wainui Golf Club, Auckland

GOLF | 147

CRUISE SPECIAL

GRAND TOURING

LUXURY CRUISING HAS SURGED IN POPULARITY AS DISCERNING GUESTS CHOOSE THE FREEDOM OF DESTINATION-RICH JOURNEYS AND THE ROMANCE OF TRAVEL ON THE MOVE, LEAVING THE PLANNING TO EXPERTS, UNPACKING ONCE, AND LEANING INTO JOY. WORDS: ERICA CASSIDY.

148 | TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE

3 Decades in the making For over 30 years Cruise World have been curating amazing contemporary, luxury, expedition and boutique small ship experiences to exotic destinations around the globe. Let us chart a course to your next travel adventure. With our experienced team, you’re in safe hands.

PERSONAL

It’s Personal, because how You travel matters We enjoy promoting our wonderful products but more importantly we love finding you the experience that suits you best. Our personal touch ensures we deliver on our motto ‘right guest, right voyage’.

PASSIONATE

Best Ideas, Best Deals Cruise World travels the world in search of the best products available and our team are here to help navigate a world of experiences. Let our passion fuel your excitement.

BY DESIGN

Enjoy You deserve to enjoy your entire travel experience, right from the booking and planning through to your departure date. Travel is one of life’s great adventures and we believe the lead up to and anticipation of your holiday should almost be as much fun as the holiday itself.

MADE IN NZ

Support Local We sell travel all over the world but we are proudly a New Zealand owned and operated family business. We support and work closely with our New Zealand based travel agent par tners.

EXPEDITION • ULTRA LUXURY • PREMIUM • RIVER CRUISE EUROPE • RIVER CRUISE ASIA • BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE • SPECIALTY • CONTEMPORARY • CANAL BOATING & BARGING • SAILING SHIPS • PRIVATE CHARTERS • TAUCK • CANADA TRAVELLER • NEW ZEALAND TRAVELLER

For more information contact Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or info@cruiseworld.co.nz

TAUCK

FOLLOW THE YELLOW ROAD

n The Wizard of Oz, the yellow brick road represents the path to enlightenment and self-discovery, and the same could be said for the yellow routes of Europe’s Michelin maps. These peripheral roads wind away from the tourist path through the countryside, connecting villages and vineyards for the denizens, and this sense of the untouched is precisely what makes them captivating. For over three decades, Tauck has curated small-group land journeys along Europe’s slower-paced ‘yellow roads’, cultivating deep and longstanding connections with the locals. For Tauck guests, this means a warm welcome, early-opening access at landmarks like Versailles, timed-entry access to the Louvre, exclusive estate dinners, hands-on experiences that you wouldn’t find on your own, and guided encounters that are difficult to replicate independently. Tauck has opened bookings for their 2027 portfolio of European land journeys, including a gorgeous new small group itinerary that immerses guests in the French way of life – the Champagne way. With deep roots in royal luxury, life in this beautiful region revolves around the vines and their gold elixir. A Week In Champagne & Alsace begins in the storybook village of Kaysersberg, with a 3-night stay at the Le Chambard Hotel & Spa, private dinner with a chef, and time to explore the nearby wine villages of Ribeauvillé and Colmar. The journey continues to the Champagne region for a 3-night stay at the stunning La Caserne Chanzy, overlooking la Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Guests can explore the vineyards of Épernay by vintage car with a picnic lunch among the vines, and an exclusive dinner at Moët & Chandon. A final overnight stay at the Château de Chantilly and farewell dinner at Château Mont Royal bring this truly special journey to an end. Tauck is expanding their river cruising inventory with the addition of five new riverboats between now and 2028, more journeys that illuminate the charming, slowerpaced shoulder season, and innovative six-day itineraries for guests that are shorter on time. Their 2027 season also includes an expanded programme of women-only departures, the addition of shorter safaris to complement their existing portfolio of African safaris, and seven Tauck Bridges itineraries designed specifically for families. With Tauck experts handling the tricky parts, guests can relax with freedom and intention, and lean into the joy of enlightenment through travel. ▪

Europe’s Rivers, The Tauck Way WHERE RIVER CRUISING MEETS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS Tauck brings more than a century of guided travel expertise to Europe’s waterways, offering a river cruising experience that focuses as much on the destination as the ship itself. From expertly guided sightseeing and all shore excursions, to gratuities, premium beverages, and exclusive cultural experiences, virtually every detail is included. Tauck’s hallmark is its ability to open doors not available to most travellers, delivering a more immersive connection to Europe’s history, culture, and traditions. Guests enjoy unique access to private wine tastings, historic landmarks, gala evenings, and authentic local encounters, all complemented by personalised service onboard intimate riverboats. Tauck delivers exceptional included value and a seamless destination-rich journey.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Cruises are subject to availability at the time of booking. Payment and booking conditions apply. General terms and conditions of carriage apply. Contact Tauck’s NZ Representative Cruise World for full details.

RIVER CRUISING

Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris v.v. 14 Days - April, May, June, September 2027 Prague to Paris, Onboard Ms Joy/Ms Savor

Between Prague and Paris flows a Europe shaped by rivers. Along the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Danube, this journey reveals castles, vineyards, and medieval towns where romance lives not only in great capitals, but in the quiet bends of the river between them. ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS 2 nights Prague, 2 nights Paris, Frankfurt, Koblenz, Trier, Nürnberg, Bamberg, Luxembourg, Rothenburg, Regensburg. UNIQUELY TAUCK • Private evening at Schlosshotel Kronberg featuring a reception, dinner and music performance • Enjoy a private evening at Schlosshotel Kronberg featuring a reception and dinner • Stay in iconic city-center hotels, in the heart of Prague and Paris, with a two-night stay in each • Take a private boat ride on the Seine River in Paris to see the Eiffel Tower • Cruise four main rivers in Europe: the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Danube

See your cruise agent or Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.tauck.co.nz

RIVER CRUISING

The Rhine & Swiss Alps 10 Days - May, June, July, August, September 2027 Zurich to Amsterdam, Onboard Ms Inspire/Ms Grace From two nights immersed in Switzerland’s ethereal Alpine beauty – savouring mountaineer views and a private lake cruise – to a river cruise that reveals the character of a French Alsatian town, medieval German villages, and the Middle Rhine Valley, culminating in the Netherlands. ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Amsterdam, Zürich, Basel, Köln, Rüdesheim, Colmar, Baden-Bad en, Engelskirchen, Jungraujoch, Lucerne. UNIQUELY TAUCK • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Dinner and entertainment at Schloss Ehreshoven, a German castle dating back to the 15th century • Journey to the highest railway station in Europe at the Jungfraujoch by cogwheel train for amazing views of the snow-clad Bernese Alps • Spend a private evening with dinner and a tour at Schloss Ehreshoven, a grand Baroque estate in Engelskirchen • Enjoy panoramic views when you cruise picturesque Lake Lucerne and on an orientation walk introducing you to key Lucerne sites

ARMSTRONG COLLECTIVE

FRONT ROW FRONTIER

now-capped peaks, rugged pines. Hollow cliffs, canyon depths. Glacial lakes, rushing streams. Gourmet food, vintage wine. When you dream of the perfect holiday, do you imagine the dramatic, untamed wilderness of the western frontier? Maybe a luxurious train journey where the landscapes are framed by expansive windows, with regionally inspired gourmet meals, fine wines and the meditative rhythm of the tracks below? Rockies Refined is a 10-day Canadian escape that pairs the romance of train travel with iconic scenery, private airport transfers and sightseeing, and

premium hotel stays. The journey begins with a private guided tour, and a night in the Fairmont Gold, Vancouver; then guests board Rocky Mountaineer for two unforgettable days through British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Overnights in Kamloops,

Lake Louise and Banff Springs allow for unhurried immersion into some of Canada’s most storied landscapes. The majestic Icefields Parkway, flanked by more than 100 ancient glaciers, is a prime spot for Canadian wildlife, or visit the Glacier Skywalk, a dramatic glass-floor observatory. The final stop is a night at the historic Fairmont Palliser in Calgary. Also coming in 2027 is GoldLeaf Grand, an evolution of Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf experience, with redesigned interiors, fewer guests, enhanced service and greater dining flexibility. Travellers wishing to roam the American West can join the Yellowstone & Grand Teton Explorer aboard Canyon Spirit. This immersive 8-day journey takes in geothermal wonders, charming townships and natural beauty, with iconic sites like Old Faithful,

Grand Prismatic Spring, and Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Journey through Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, stopping for views across the Teton Range, Snake River and Bear Lake. Guests board Canyon Spirit in Salt Lake City for three scenic days through Utah and Colorado, before descending through Price River Canyon and the Book Cliffs. An overnight in Moab creates time to experience the desert landscape, before following the Colorado River to Denver. Perhaps you want to marvel at snow-capped mountains in Western Canada. Maybe your heart calls you to the soaring canyons of the American Southwest, or you might want to cap off your Alaskan cruise or Heber Valley golf holiday with an unhurried adventure. Whichever part of the continent’s storied West you seek, train travel is a natural way to connect with this glorious part of the world. ▪

Discover the American Southwest

Premier upgrade

Signature experience

From the visionaries behind Rocky Mountaineer comes Canyon Spirit, an elevated rail experience shaped by over 35 years of world-class hospitality. CONTACT YOUR CRUISE WORLD ADVISOR FOR MORE DETAILS

ALL ABOARD AMAZING STARTS HERE.

GoldLeaf Service

SilverLeaf Service

A journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a train ride through the Canadian Rockies. It’s the key to a hidden world of shifting landscapes and unparalleled beauty.

BOOK WITH US AND EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE www.cruiseworld.co.nz

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

MODERN ODYSSEY

he romance of yachting has captured human imagination for millennia. Setting out across the open water in a small group of kindred adventurers, with a destination in mind and the journey there yet to unfold; ocean exploration is a transformative experience that leaves voyagers changed for the better. But unlike the nautes (sailors) of Greek mythology who roughed it at the whim of Mother Nature and her mercurial winds, guests aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages have all the exhilaration and adventure, savoured in beautiful comfort. Atlas Adventurer is the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht, a forward-thinking ship that marks the next evolution of wind-assisted global exploration and expands the reach of the Atlas fleet. A game-changer for cruising, she combines purpose-built technology with the comfort and grace of modern yachting. Three carbon masts and solid sails enable high speed, zero-emission sailing when conditions at sea permit, allowing for a soundless presence on the water. This masterful fusion of cutting-edge electric propulsion with classical wind innovation from the 15th-century Age of Sail means that Atlas Adventurer can glide into some of the world’s most exclusive ports. Spacious, light-filled all-suite accommodations are fitted with beautiful details, including marble spa bathrooms, L’Occitane amenities, and sweeping sea views, most with

private verandas or Juliet balconies. Guests can choose from expansive Reserve suites with their own private butler, to elegant Concierge or Signature suites that invite connection with the world outside, and effortless living at sea. Atlas Adventurer’s enhanced culinary offering embodies her spirit of exploration, with an everchanging global menu curated by well-travelled chefs. Guests can swap stories with fellow adventurers over Champagne and gourmet canapes, savour an exquisite meal of epicurean delights at one of seven dining venues, or learn new techniques in the culinary studio. Along with expansive social spaces and a large outdoor pool, the yacht offers Zodiacs, luxury motorboats, open-air decks, and a marina platform with an ocean pool for waterbased exploration. Atlas Adventurer embarks on her inaugural voyage in November 2028. The Grand Odyssey Expedition sails from Asia to Africa over 128 nights. Far from being just passengers, Atlas guests are part of a shared adventure with the officers, crew and local guides, united by insatiable curiosity about the world. ▪

ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

Intimate Ships. Extraordinary Experiences. From Antarctica to the Mediterranean, explore more with Atlas Ocean Voyages. Discover Atlas Ocean Voyages, where luxury meets adventure in a style perfectly suited to New Zealand travellers - casual elegance with immersive destination experiences. Atlas offers intimate yacht-style voyages that focus on authentic exploration, and guests enjoy personalised service, thoughtfully included experiences, and access to remarkable destinations. Whether exploring remote polar regions, picturesque European coastlines, or hidden cultural gems around the world, Atlas Ocean Voyages delivers a relaxed, sophisticated expedition style cruise for travellers who value enriching experiences, and genuine discovery while travelling in comfort and style.

Why Atlas Ocean Voyages Adventure Meets Luxury •

All-inclusive lifestyle of relaxed, refined luxury

•

Spacious accommodations

•

Stylish social spaces, and open-air decks with panoramic views

•

Sleek exteriors and cutting-edge engineering to navigate fjords to • secluded tropical coves •

Enrichment programs tailored to each destination

•

Polar Category C and Ice Class 1B hardware for uncharted exploration

•

Epicurean Expeditions and Cultural Expeditions small-group excursions ashore

•

Hybrid power and dynamic positioning systems to protect delicate ecosystems

•

Opportunities for kayaking, wildlife viewing or other adventures directly from the yacht

•

Quiet hydro-jet or wind propulsion for wildlife viewing without disturbing environments

•

World-class expedition teams - in-depth, firsthand knowledge Zodiac safaris and shore landings included on Polar Expeditions

Greece & Turkish Isles

Ring of Iceland

Drake Express

Athens (Piraeus) Roundtrip Epicurean Expedition

Reykjavík Roundtrip Cultural Expedition

King George Island Roundtrip Polar Expedition

Onboard World Traveller

Onboard World Voyager

Onboard World Traveller or World Navigator

27 June – 08 July 2027 11 Nights / 12 Days

04 – 14 September 2027 10 Nights / 11 Days

28 November 2027, 05 December 2027, 12 February 2028, 19 February 2028 7 Nights / 8 Days

For more information contact your travel adviser or Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & Conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and/or promotions at the time of booking. Booking/payment conditions apply. General conditions of carriage apply. Contact Atlas Ocean Voyages NZ Representative Cruise World for full details.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS

THE MOST

EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS

aybe you’re one of those connoisseurs whose own home is so exquisite that your standards are extraordinarily high. You don’t covet luxury, you live it, and when you leave home to see the world, you only stay at the very best sanctuaries. Serene, spacious and light-filled suites, with underfloor heating, walk-in wardrobes and private sun terraces where you can breakfast al fresco. Rooftop fine dining in the ocean breeze, with sunset views and culinary works of art. Intuitive, personalised service and immersive local expertise that opens doors to the hidden elite. If these are the touchstones that define a truly exceptional journey, then maybe the very best accommodation isn’t a hotel. Maybe it’s a showstopper ship that draws on deep European roots and generations of seafaring expertise. And maybe Explora III will be more than your luxury transport across the open sea, but an elegant third space that you come to love as your own. A place of calm where you check in, just once, then relax deep into an ocean state of mind, and let the world unfold between you and the horizon. Maybe this is how you travel from now on, transformed by the sea. Explora III is the third luxury ship from Explora Journeys, and it represents the brand’s future-ready commitment to environmental design that doesn’t compromise on style or comfort. Chopard debuts their first onboard boutique alongside Cartier, Piaget,

and Rolex, and the ship has an elevated offering of culinary concepts. The Cellar is an intimate curation of wines, paired with lobster, fine cheese and cured meats, sliced tableside. For gourmands celebrating a special milestone, The Chef’s Table takes inspiration from its guests to create a private, one of a kind meal. “Explora III is European in style and sensibility,” says Joe O’Sullivan of Cruise World. “These are discerning, affluent travellers who voyage as a means of enrichment and connection.” Explora Journeys blend the exclusivity and relaxed elegance of a private yacht with the amenities of a luxury resort, longer stays in port, and the luxury of choice. “It’s hard for land-based resorts to compete. If you’re someone who wants absolute luxury, value, ease and flexibility when you travel, and you thought you never wanted to try a cruise, then this is the place to start.” ▪

Celtic Isles, Arctic Passages & Canadian Charm

Alluring Mediterranean – Beauty and Timeless Intrigue

Explora IV Hamburg, Germany to Quebec City, Canada 21 nights: 25 Aug – 15 Sep 2027

Explora II Fusina (Venice) Return 19 nights: 14 Apr – 03 May 2027

Maybe the best hotel isn’t a hotel. EXPLORE THE OCEAN STATE OF MIND. Discover a new style of ocean travel with Explora Journeys. Thoughtfully designed itineraries showcase both celebrated ports and hidden gems, with longer stays, immersive experiences and effortless luxury, every journey is crafted to inspire deeper connections and lasting memories. With refined dining and expansive suites to holistic wellness experiences and attentive service, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to elevate your time at sea.

INCLUDED ONBOARD EXPERIENCES: Luxury ocean-front suites • Fine dining and culinary experiences • Premium beverages • Wi-Fi • Gratuities • Wellness experiences • In-suite dining • Exceptional service.

See your cruise agent, or call Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & Conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and promotions at the time of booking. General terms and conditions of carriage for Explora Journeys apply.

From Lisbon to the Vibrant Streets of Copenhagen

Lively Medinas, Baroque Beauty & Roman Legends

Explora V Lisbon to Copenhagen 14 nights: 29 Apr – 13 May 2028

Explora I Barcelona return 14 nights: 06 Sep – 20 Sep 2027

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

FIVE CONTINENTS, ONE HOME T

here’s a Norwegian saying, ‘I det beste selskap’ which translates to ‘in the best of company’ and it perfectly encapsulates the welcome feeling onboard a Fred. Olsen Cruise as you sail the world. Warm, charming, and art-rich in their signature lively style, Fred. Olsen ships are a true home away from home for guests who crave something unique. Their pretty fleet of smaller ships are perfectly designed for cruising to ports that are out of reach for the larger cruise lines, with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and unhurried pace. When it comes to the journey of a lifetime, there is no better feeling than waking somewhere new, rested and well-fed, with time to

settle in and delight in the unique character of each destination. In January 2028, Fred. Olsen’s stylish adults-only ship the Borealis will depart from Southampton on an 87-night round-trip Grand Voyage, calling at 28 ports across five continents, including Antarctica and the Amazon. This extraordinary voyage offers a rare opportunity to unpack once and relax, knowing that every detail is taken care of as you explore far-flung destinations across the globe. Sailing deep into lush Amazonian rainforest, the open sea narrows to sweeping river and days unfold at

leisure. Vibrant wildlife become passing guests on the journey, from the chattering monkeys, kaleidoscopic butterflies and noisy tree parties of playful toucan, to revered flamingo-pink river dolphins that duck and dive alongside the ship. A captivating natural phenomenon is the Meeting of the Waters, where the inky Rio Negro and cafè latte hued Solimões collide. Fred. Olsen’s Grand Voyage also takes in the vibrant dance pulse, dramatic coastlines and historic landmarks of South America, island-hopping and whale-watching in the Caribbean, before sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula. Beloved by intrepid travellers, Antarctica is remote and untouched, with vast

skyscraper icebergs and abundant wildlife. A bucketlist destination that changes its visitors forever. Whether sunbathing poolside with a cocktail or making new friends in the poetically named Morning Light Pub & Lounge, Borealis guests can be part of something truly special as they explore everything the world has to offer, from the comfort and warmth of their home at sea. ▪

Grand Voyage

T&Cs: Cruise is subject to availability at time of booking. Some cabin categories may be limited. Freedom Fare is subject to availability at time of booking; is inventory controlled and can change or be removed without notice. Cruise is subject to general terms and conditions for booking and payments or amendments, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Conditions of Carriage.

A hand-crafted grand voyage across five continents bringing together some of the world’s most awe-inspiring places. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cruises to the Amazon and Antarctica with an extraordinary itinerary offering guests immersive exploration of rainforest waterways and rich wildlife, from toucans to pink river dolphins. Enjoy scenic cruising of the Antarctic Peninsula, showcasing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, penguins, and whales. Experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity, the cultural energy of Buenos Aires, Rio’s iconic landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain, and Caribbean islandhopping, complemented by whale-watching opportunities in Samaná Bay and Dominica.

INCLUSIONS

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED • Full board dining • Five course à la carte dinners • Daily casual dining options • Late night Supper Club • Afternoon tea • Self-service tea & coffee

5 JAN 2028 TO

1 APRIL 2028

SOUTHAMPTON RETURN

87 NIGHTS

BOREALIS

LEISURE

• Evening shows • Live music, dancing & dance classes • Enrichment lectures and expert talks • A variety of on-board activities • Swimming pools & Jacuzzis • Fitness centre & classes

FREEDOM FARES ALSO INCLUDE

• Free shuttle service (for ports over one mile from the ship) • Selected drinks with lunch and dinner • Gratuities • Pre-book fitness classes

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Canary Islands, Antigua, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia, Curacao, Granada, Barbados, Amazon River, Brazil (8 ports of call), Argentina, Cruise by Cape Horn, Cruising the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Cape Verde, Spain.

See your travel agent or contact Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz

OCEANIA CRUISES

CRUISE FOR JOY M

odern connoisseurs have a new standard when it comes to luxury travel, and Oceania Cruises® have risen to the occasion with their commitment to the Joy of Travelling Well. Intimate, luxurious ships, warm and intentional service, immersive itineraries, and the Finest Cuisine at Sea® have always been the signature of Oceania Cruises, but like the sea, their brand is everchanging. As they sail into a new era with a growing fleet of adult-only ships, every detail has been polished for a joyful celebration of travel at its best. Each intimate ship is designed to provide utmost comfort and delight for discerning travellers who value craftsmanship and meaningful connection with the world around them. Genuine, thoughtful hospitality takes care of every detail so that guests feel cared for, with space and time to explore, socialise or switch off completely. The centrepiece of every voyage is a mouth-watering abundance of gourmet food, whether joining an exclusive excursion, learning local techniques in the Culinary Centre or dining onboard. Heralded as the gourmand’s gateway to culture and connection, their talented chefs create magic with artisanal ingredients. Oceania continues to elevate the luxury cruise experience with its highly anticipated 2027-2028 Collection of

Voyages, featuring more than 230 destination-rich itineraries across seven elegant small ships. Designed for discerning travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences and extended time ashore, highlights include the line's first-ever Quiet Mediterranean winter season, an expansive Europe programme, Alaska sailings, and epic Grand Voyages including a 96-day journey from Auckland to Rome. Immersive itineraries sweep guests deep into the unique charm of each destination, fostering local connections that go far beyond the traditional tourist route. Oceania Cruises have expanded and elevated their programme of Wellness Discovery Tours as part of their broader wellness strategy. These tours offer exclusive shore excursions, exploring indigenous therapies around the world. Guests can try reflexology aboard an historical, wooden rice barge in Bangkok; soak in a curative thermal spring at Terme deiPapi estate, beloved by Medieval popes; or bathe in warm, mineral-rich Vietnamese mud before rinsing off under a waterfall. With more than 50 options across multiple cruises, these unique tours offer new learnings and reach the deeper, more holistic soul of each destination, in keeping with the Oceania Cruises promise to infuse every journey with joy. ▪

The

OCEANIA CRUISES ® difference

IMMERSIVE ITINERARIES -------�

Port-rich and diverse voyages that give guests the freedom to discover at their own pace and connect more deeply with places that inspire them.

Castles ofIce & Stone

LONDON TO COPENHAGEN 14 Days I 22 June 20271 Oceania Marina

GENUINE HOSPITALITY -------�

Scrabster

Thoughtful service and enriching experiences

Bergen Stavanger

Aberdeen

delivered with sincerity, care and a personal touch.

Kristiansan Londonderry

burgh

Lysekil .__ Gothenburg

Copenhagen

INTIMATE, LUXURIOUS SHIPS � Smaller ships and a relaxed luxury atmosphere ensure guests enjoy a tranquil and refined adults-only environment.

THE FINEST CUISINE AT SEA® � Culinary experiences designed to delight

DAY

PORT

Jun 22 Tue

London (Southampton), UK

Jun 23 Wed

At Sea

Jun 24 Thu Jun 25 Fri

ARRIVE DEPART

1pm

5pm

Glasgow (Greenock), UK

9am

10pm

Londonderry, UK

7am

5pm

Jun 26 Sat

Stornoway (Hebrides), UK

11am

8pm

Jun 27 Sun

Scrabster, United Kingdom

8am

6pm

Jun 28 Mon

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

9am

6pm

Jun 29 Tue

Edinburgh (Newhaven), UK

8am

8pm

Embark

Jun 30 Wed

At Sea

Jul 1 Thu

Bergen, Norway

7am

7pm

Jul 2 Fri

Stavanger, Norway

8am

6pm

Jul 3 Sat

Kristiansand, Norway

7am

5pm

Jul 4 Sun

Lysekil, Sweden

8am

6pm

Jul 5 Mon

Gothenburg, Sweden

8am

6pm

Jul 6 Tue

Copenhagen, Denmark

Disembark

8am

those who see cuisine as a window into culture, creativity and connection. ALWAYS INCLUDES ALL SPECIALITY DINING, SHIPBOARD GRATUITIES & COMPLIMENTARY WIFI PLUS CHOICE OF WINE & BEER BY THE GLASS OR SHORE EXCURSION CREDIT

CRUISE

WORLD�

SEE YOUR CRUISE AGENT OR CONTACT CRUISE WORLD ON 0800 500 732; WWW.CRUISEWORLD.CO.NZ

Fares and itineraries are subject to change or withdrawal. Airfares are additional. Cruise fares are per person, twin share {except fares for Solo category, which are for single travellers), in NZD and include all taxes, port fees and onboard gratuities. For full terms and conditions

visit OceaniaCruises.comnerms. All rights reserved. Oceania Cruises is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships' Registry: Marshall Islands. NCL Australia Ply Ltd ABN 8060 7578 781.

MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES

JAPAN BEYOND WORDS

he Japanese have a beautiful expression that perfectly describes the pleasure of a luxury cruise: ukiyo, the floating world. When you let go of modern terrestrial worries and delight in the moment, you can drift in the serene, sensorial rhythms of life onboard. Like so many evocative Japanese words that have no English equivalent, it is impossible to capture the wonder of Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Mitsui Ocean Sakura in black and white. To understand it, you must feel it for yourself. From the moment you step aboard these elegant, Japanese-owned and -operated ships, you’re enveloped in a wonderful sense of calm. Sincere and thoughtful care goes into every detail, woven deep with omotenashi, an ancient Japanese custom that honours the guest experience above all else. Food is treated as an art form, with an elevated offering of local and Western cuisine. Experience a Japanese French fusion finedining degustation at Hokusai, four perfectly balanced, exquisite courses of sushi at Omakase, or a traditional tea ceremony at Tamatebako. Bringing you joy and comfort in their country is the genuine delight of every crew member, so you can surrender to the transformative power of ocean travel. Mitsui operates all-season cruises that explore Japan’s coastal diversity, ranging from three nights to give an

ichibetsu – a vignette -- or nine nights of meaningful exploration through smaller ports and lesser-known anaba – hidden gems that are beyond the access of larger international ships. From the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms to the flaming Autumn foliage, the basalt cliffs of Taiwan to the spectacular fireworks festivals of South Korea and the crystal waters of Sadogashima Island, each voyage is curated for travel the Japanese way. Departing in February 2027, South Pacific Paradise Cruise will be the first Mitsui voyage to sail further afield. The itinerary calls at 13 destinations across Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa and Micronesia, with an opportunity for guests to join the cruise for smaller chapters of the grand voyage. “One of the things that makes Mitsui so special is the opportunity to travel alongside Japanese guests,” says Julia Miles-Cassin of Cruise World. “This creates a natural cultural exchange and adds another layer of authenticity to the journey. It feels less like simply travelling through Japan and more like travelling with Japan.” ▪

EXCLUSIVE

Seasons of Discovery Authentic, and immersive Japan encounters await... Discover a new style of luxury cruising with Mitsui Ocean Cruises, where every voyage is designed to connect you with Japan’s rich culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and timeless traditions. Sail through Japan’s ever-changing seasons, from spring cherry blossoms and vibrant summer festivals to the fiery colours of autumn and the serenity of winter. Aboard Mitsui Ocean Cruises ultra-luxury, all-suite small cruise ships, you’ll enjoy beautifully appointed spaces, exceptional cuisine, engaging entertainment, and unique access to ports rarely visited. Every detail is enhanced by sincere Japanese omotenashi hospitality, anticipating your needs and creating unforgettable journeys.

inclusion for NZ guests

One complimentary half day shore excursion in each port with English speaking guides.

Tomakomai

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sendai

09 February – 15 February 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 6 Nights / 7 Days

Oarai

Onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura

Yokohama

Iwanai Hakodate Oga Ryotsu Wajima

Busan

Tottori

Yokohama

Northern Japan in Bloom 18 April – 30 April 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 12 Nights / 13 Days

Onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji

Sasebo

Yokohama Kure

Koshikijima

Miyazaki Nishinoomote

Yokohama Shodoshima Takamatsu Matsuyama Kochi

Golden Week 28 April – 06 May 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 8 Nights / 9 Days

Onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura

Shodoshima Autumn Colours 26 November – 03 December 2027 Yokohama to Yokohama 7 Nights / 8 Days Onboard Mitsui Ocean Sakura

For more information see your cruise specialist or contact Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & Conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and/or promotions at the time of booking. Cruise fares include Luxury all-suite accommodation, most beverages including specialty coffees, wifi, gratuities, included dining in a range of dining venues. General terms and conditions of carriage for Mitsui Ocean Cruises apply. Contact Mitsui Ocean Voyages NZ Representative Cruise World for full details.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

LATE SEASON LUXURY

ave you ever watched the winter sun gleam over your favourite Mediterranean village, or warmed your hands with mulled wine at a twinkling, snow-dusted Christmas market? Known as the shoulder season, November through February in Europe is slower-paced than the sunbaked summer, and utterly charming. Regent Seven Seas Cruises® captures the seasonal poetry of these lesser-known months with all-inclusive journeys aboard the newly refurbished Seven Seas Voyager®. Serene, light-filled ocean-view suites, palatial shared spaces decorated in wreaths and mistletoe, and exquisite finishing details such as Versace dinnerware create a sophisticated home away from home as guests explore the world. Their journey is further elevated with warm, heartfelt hospitality and unlimited access to all onboard speciality dining, fine-wines and premium beverages, spa facilities and festive shore excursions created to reach the heart of the late season. Made possible by Regent’s intimate-sized ships, guests can venture into unique corners of the Mediterranean that are beyond the scope of larger vessels. Here, iconic sights and verdant vineyards seem gilded in dramatic golden sun. Local culture and language blossom as the denizens return to their natural rhythms. Museums, ruins and art galleries are spacious and cool. Churches and markets come alive with Christmas lights, ice skating and carol singers, and scrumptious winter fare wafts from glowing restaurants. Turkish Treasures is a 10-night voyage through Turkey, Cyprus and Greece, and this yuletide itinerary is rich with shore excursions that celebrate Christmas the local way. In Limassol, Cyprus, the optional shore excursion, Christmas Lights and Coastal Charm, spotlights the city’s illuminated landmarks. Walk through Heroes’ Square, glowing with Christmas lights and seasonal decorations, before passing the Limassol Town Hall. Guests continue to the serene Agia Napa Cathedral, and along Agiou Andreou street for twinkling lights, shops and cosy cafés, while a visit to Limassol Castle offers an insight into the city’s history. The excursion concludes at Limassol Marina, with free time to sightsee the 12-metre Christmas tree, enjoy live music at the Trakasol Cultural Centre, and wander Christmas markets overflowing with festive treats. Travelling outside of the traditional peak months, you have time to discover the unique seasonal charm of each destination, with every day made effortless by Regent’s all-inclusive experience and the utmost comfort and delight of their ultra-luxurious ships. ▪

SEABOURN

MASTERPIECE AT SEA A great piece of art inspires imagination, captures a moment in time, and holds space for the stories yet untold. Trusted with the honour of sailing guests into the open sea on their voyage of discovery, the same is true for the beautiful Seabourn Quest. With panoramic windows that frame the ocean in every direction, this intimate, private-yacht style vessel is a living canvas for the art of ocean travel.

Already a beloved favourite in the fleet, she returns to service following the most extensive interior refurbishment in Seabourn history. Quietly committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable practice from ship to shore, Seabourn went to extraordinary lengths to reduce waste during the dry dock refurbishment. All mattresses and furnishings were recycled where possible. Carpet was upgraded with premium biodegradable wool that supports a closed-loop lifecycle approach, and the removed material will be repurposed into new carpet padding for a future Seabourn renovation. Every element has been meticulously designed for atmosphere and flow, inspired by the organic beauty of the sea. Seabourn Quest will visit the South Pacific this summer as part of a 126-day world cruise, spanning the dramatic landscapes, vivid coral reefs and coastal towns of New Zealand, Australia, and the surrounding islands.

Leveraging her small-ship design, she can anchor at remote bays and shallow ports that are out of reach of larger ships. Guests can witness the incredible jumping saltwater crocodiles in Adelaide, followed by a cold beer in a Northern Aussie pub, hand feed black-tip reef sharks in Bora Bora, or join an optional aerial odyssey over the stunning Southern Alps in New Zealand. Seabourn Quest will spend the European summer cruising north, with extended journeys from Britain, Scandinavia and the Baltic states, as far as Honningsvag in the Arctic Circle. Midnight Sun Midsummer & the British Isles sails a sweeping 28-day arc through pristine natural beauty and chocolate-box villages. From the lunar landscapes of Nordkapp at the very tip of the European continent, to Amsterdam’s iconic canals and galleries, and exploring the craggy castles of remote Scotland, this is just one of many exceptional itineraries. From there, she crosses the Atlantic for the autumn foliage, through South America and Antarctica, then on to Africa. ▪

Your Antarctic adventure awaits... Discover the last great wilderness on Earth with a voyage to Antarctica. Once hidden beyond the edges of the known world and accessible only to the boldest explorers, this extraordinary continent remains a place of timeless beauty and wonder. Witness towering icebergs, vast penguin colonies, breaching whales, and breathtaking mountain landscapes in their

Seabourn’s Expedition Difference •

Purpose-built luxury expedition ships, PC6 icestrengthened

•

Luxury suites with private veranda

•

Intuitive, personalised service

•

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines

•

World class complimentary dining and culinary experiences

•

Tipping is neither required nor expected

•

Complimentary SpaceX Starlink Wifi package

•

Complimentary “Two-in-One” hooded parka and backpack

•

World-class 19-person Expedition Team

•

Daily guided onshore, and Zodiac excursions*

•

Optional guided kayaking**

•

Spacious open deck areas for optimal nature and wildlife viewing

•

4K GSS Cineflex camera for long-range wildlife viewing

•

Complimentary Signature Events: Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more

•

Open bridge – at Captains discretion

•

Enrichment activity and talks

pristine natural state. With Seabourn’s expert Expedition Team guiding every step, experience the magic, adventure and unforgettable wildlife encounters that make Antarctica unlike anywhere else on Earth.

21–Day Ultimate Antarctica Falklands & South Georgia

11–Day The Great White Continent

25–Day Scotia Arc

Seabourn Venture

18 November 2027

18 December 2027

25 October 2027

Depart Buenos Aires (EZE) Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE)

Depart Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Arrive Buenos Aires (EZE)

Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia

For more information contact your travel adviser or Cruise World on 0800 500 732 or visit www.cruiseworld.co.nz Terms & conditions: Cruises are subject to availability and current fares and promotions at the time of booking. * Weather permitting **Additional charge. General terms and conditions of carriage for Seabourn apply.

AmaWATERWAYS

WILDLIFE UP CLOSE, IN COMFORT

magine waking in your elegant stateroom, rested and cool, to see hippos bathing in the dazzling Chobe River just metres away. Sipping ice-cold cocktails within ear shot of rainbow-hued birdlife and grazing buffalo. Soaking away the evening in an open-air pool as crocodiles slink into the river nearby. Joining a 4x4 safari in search of cheetah and stopping to watch a family of elephants cross the road as you journey back to your ship. Following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela with a guided tour of Soweto, then counting stars from the serenity of your private terrace. AmaWaterways have curated new journeys to highlight the wondrous diversity Africa has to offer, seamlessly weaving river cruising, safaris, hotels, and guided touring for truly experiential travel. Thundering waterfalls and wide rivers bursting with sunbaked wildlife. The scent of water lilies one day and lion musk the next. Searing desert days and crisp, cool nights. Vibrant cities, majestic cathedral-like mopane forests and archaeological sites. Each itinerary combines immersive land programmes with a luxurious three-night Chobe River cruise aboard Zambezi Queen. With floor-to-ceiling windows, generous shared spaces and private balconies in every room, their 14-stateroom ship is designed for intimate connection with the world outside. Iconic Africa journeys from Cape Town and along the Chobe River, with a full day safari in Chobe National Park, lunch at Sanctuary Mandela, and morning and sunset safaris to experience cheetah, lions, giraffes, and zebra in the wild at Kruger National Park. Guests can add an optional Rwanda extension to see the famed Silverback Gorillas. African Wonders & the Skeleton Coast showcases the landscapes of Namibia and the dramatic Skeleton Coast. Classic Kenya & Southern Africa combines the Chobe River and Victoria Falls with Kenya’s Amboseli and Maasai Mara reserves, with an optional Zanzibar extension. Secrets of Egypt & the Nile takes guests deep into Egypt with a luxury Nile River cruise, hotel stay in Cairo and guided archaeological excursions led by Egyptologists. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Philae, sail a traditional wooden felucca, and more. AmaWaterways’ unique journeys promise authentic, sensorial travel that unfolds in comfort and style. ▪

amawaterways.com/nz Terms and conditions apply. Prices quoted are in NZD and are accurate as of 31 August 2026

Roam far, wander wide Enjoy our Cruise Savings offer across Amawaterways Africa River Cruises

DISCOVER AFRICA

From $19,983pp

WILDLIFE & THE FALLS

From $25,773pp

ICONIC AFRICA

From $28,957pp

9 Nights | Cape Town > Johannesburg

12 Nights | Johannesburg > Johannesburg

14 Nights | Cape Town > Johannesburg Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa

To reserve your next river journey see your cruise specialist or contact Cruise World - 0800 500 732 | www.cruiseworld.co.nz

NEW SHIPS AND G ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

SHIP: Atlas Adventurer GROSS TONNAGE: 26,000 GUEST CAPACITY: 400 LAUNCHING: November, 2028

Atlas Adventurer® is the world’s first luxury expedition sailing yacht and expands the line’s reach to new destinations while offering guests an elevated, immersive experience at sea. Atlas Adventurer embodies exceptional innovation in this new era of luxury expedition cruising. Rated Ice Class 1B (Polar Category C), the ship has wind-assisted sailing, with three carbon-fibre masts, to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent under favourable conditions. Her hybrid power combines Wartsila dual-fuel engines with a large 9-megawatt marine battery system for quiet, eco-friendly operation.

AMAWATERWAYS

SHIP: AmaRudi LENGTH: 135 metres GUEST CAPACITY: 196 LAUNCHING: April, 2027

AmaRudi is a double-width, next-generation river cruise ship on the Danube. The innovative design incorporates eco-friendly technology, including Stage V engines, solar panels, shore-power connectivity and lightweight materials. Sister ship to the AmaMagna and named after AmaWaterways’ cofounder and chairman, AmaRudi will be one of the largest river cruise ships in Europe, with spacious public areas; suites with full balconies; four dining options for greater choice; an expansive wellness and fitness studio; and heated sundeck pool and whirlpool. A new entertainment concept features cinema, karaoke, billiards and jukebox. The larger range of facilities and space will satisfy ocean cruisers wanting to try a river cruise.

GRAND REFURBS MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES

SHIP: Mitsui Ocean Sakura GROSS TONNAGE: 32,477 GUEST CAPACITY: 458 REFURBISHED AND RE-BRANDED: September, 2026

Mitsui Ocean Sakura is the newest addition to Japan’s Mitsui Ocean Cruises fleet. Previously Seabourn Sojourn, she underwent a major dry-dock refurbishment prior to joining the fleet. She maintains the luxury, intimate, small-ship experience, all-oceanview suites — most with veranda — and five dining venues. The refurbishment features understated Japanese elegance and Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ Funatabi (beautiful encounters with Japan) ethos. The upgrade saw the main pool deck modified to integrate a traditional Japanese ashiyu (hot-water foot bath) alongside the standard whirlpools. Combining Japanese hospitality, cuisine and design, Sakura can access Japan’s smaller ports and less-visited destinations in comfort and style.

SEABOURN

SHIP: Seabourn Quest GROSS TONNAGE: Approx. 32,000 GUEST CAPACITY: 458 REFURBISHED: June, 2026 Seabourn's award-winning Seabourn Quest has emerged from drydock with reimagined spaces in the most comprehensive interior investment and update in the cruise line's history. Enhancements across suites, public spaces, dining venues and the spa create a more relaxed and refined onboard experience, further elevating the comfort and understated luxury Seabourn guests know and value. The evolved design approach draws from textures and tones of the places Seabourn explores, incorporating layered materials and finishes and improving how guests move through and experience each space. Sustainable practices were incorporated to reduce waste and extend the life of materials on board. The scope of work also included updates to crew areas, amenities and accommodations.

TAUCK RIVER CRUISING

SHIP: ms Harmonie LENGTH: 135m GUEST CAPACITY: 130 LAUNCHING: April, 2028

Custom-designed to Tauck’s specifications to accommodate no more than 130 guests within an innovative deck plan that prioritises personal space. There are 22 premium suites, each 91sq m, and 34 69sq m Tauck Suites. Two full cabin decks feature floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open directly onto real French balconies. Like her sister ship Tauck ms Lumiere, Harmonie is purpose-built for cruising France’s Rhone River and is part of a larger multi-year renewal programme that will introduce five new riverboats by 2028, expanding overall capacity by 50 per cent while retiring older vessels.

OCEANIA CRUISES

SHIP: Oceania Sonata GROSS TONNAGE: 86,000 GUEST CAPACITY: 1,390 LAUNCHING: August, 2027

Oceania Sonata introduces an entirely new class of ship. As the ninth vessel in the fleet, this is a fresh expression of Oceania’s intimate and luxurious onboard experience, with increased passenger-tospace ratio. The residential design and Oceania’s commitment to 'The Finest Cuisine at Sea,' has Oceania Sonata featuring 10 culinary venues, debuting new concepts like the 18-seat French chef's table La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and the Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant Nikkei Kitchen. Accommodation is all-veranda — with roughly 30 per cent high-end suites, including the brand-new Horizon Suite and Deluxe Penthouse Suite categories.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS

SHIP: Seven Seas Prestige GROSS TONNAGE: 76,550 GUEST CAPACITY: 822 LAUNCHING: December, 2026

EXPLORA JOURNEYS

SHIP: Explora III GROSS TONNAGE: 72,800 GUEST CAPACITY: 926 LAUNCHED: August, 2026

Explora III is the newest addition to Explora Journeys’ fleet of six ultra-luxury ships scheduled for delivery by 2028. Building on the brand's distinctive design philosophy, the ship further advances Explora's residential-style 'Home at Sea' concept, creating an environment of effortless elegance, spaciousness, and connection. Larger than its predecessors by 19.2m, Explora III incorporates advanced LNG propulsion, shore power capability and enhanced energy-efficiency systems. Guest experience has been further refined through reimagined public spaces, the introduction of new venues and expanded accommodation styles, including a second Owner’s Suite. Every suite is ocean-facing, delivering an exceptional sense of space and connection to the sea.

Seven Seas Prestige™ embodies Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ vision for the future of ocean travel. With brand-new architectural language by Studio DADO, every aspect of her elevated design blends classical Renaissance elegance with modern sophistication. Architectural highlights include The Starlight Atrium, a two-storey central space with glass-enclosed skylight, twin sweeping spiral staircases with a large continuation extending up to deck 11, plus an arc chandelier that shifts with the setting sun. With one of the highest space-toguest ratios in the industry, her footprint allows for wide outdoor promenades, expansive restaurants and quiet social spaces.

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES

SHIP: Bolette GROSS TONNAGE: 62,735 GUEST CAPACITY: 1,338 REFURBISHED: February, 2026 Bolette completed a 16-day drydock for scheduled maintenance, technical inspections to enhance performance, and guest-focused enhancements. Refreshed public spaces, 50+ cabin bathrooms updated, and a transformed Colours & Taste restaurant, have given Bolette a fresh new feel. During the dry-dock, interior refurbishments carried out across guest spaces included refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main dining room and revitalised guest corridors and stairwells. The Neptune Lounge has a new LED wall and aerial performance structures.

ARMSTRONG COLLECTIVE

(Luxury train) TRAIN: Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Grand PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: 2027 An evolution of Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service features a more spacious bi-level dome coach with just 56 seats in the carriage, compared with 72 seats in standard GoldLeaf coaches. Dining is a more intimate experience too, the dining room accommodating 26-28 guests, while an expanded onboard team delivers an extra level of personalised service. Guests can expect the panoramic views, more flexible dining options and renowned GoldLeaf Service they know and love, with more space and an even more elevated onboard experience. ▪

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