Source: Radio New Zealand
The Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club. www.photosport.nz
A world class professional golf tournament will return to Auckland for the first time in more than 20 years with the launch of the Japan-Australasia Championship.
The tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation, will be played at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club from 5-8 March, 2026.
The $1.4 million event will showcase leading players from Australasia and Japan alongside rising stars from across the region.
The tournament will become the third leg of a three-week New Zealand swing and will follow the New Zealand PGA Championship at Paraparaumu Beach on 19-22 February and the New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort, which starts on 26 February.
PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman hailed the new event as a significant milestone for golf in the region.
“This tournament represents an exciting new chapter for golf in our part of the world,” Kirkman said.
“Partnering with the Japan Golf Tour for the first time is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen ties between our Tours and provide our players with a truly international stage.”
Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club recently completed a major redevelopment and club captain Ian Blair said being approached to host the event was recognition of their world-class course and facilities.
“This is Auckland’s first major men’s professional tournament in 20 years, and we’re honoured to showcase our course to international audiences while engaging with our wider community and inspiring the next generation of golfers. It’s a historic moment that reflects both our proud heritage and our exciting future.”
The New Zealand Open was last held in Auckland at the Grange in 2004.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
