Ben Campbell plays on the LIV Golf Tour. Photo / Getty Images
A strong lineup of Kiwi golf talent has confirmed their return to next year’s New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort.
Leading the charge are Queenstown favourite Ben Campbell and PGA Tour Champions star Steven Alker, joined by world-class talents Daniel Hillier and Kazuma Kobori – a quartet that highlights the proud past, present, and future of New Zealand golf.
Having come tantalisingly close to lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy on multiple occasions, local hero Campbell is determined that 2026 will be his year.
“The New Zealand Open is the one we all want to win,” said Campbell. “I’ve had a few really good runs at it, and I’d love nothing more than to get across the line. Millbrook Resort is my home course, and the team always delivers a world-class event. Playing in front of the home crowd gives me that extra bit of drive.”
Alker, who just fell short of a third Charles Schwab Cup title in four years, is once again making the journey back home to chase the championship he desires most.
“It’s always a privilege to come home and play in the New Zealand Open,” said Alker.
“This event means a lot to all of us who’ve represented New Zealand around the world. It would mean the world to me to lift that trophy in front of my friends and family.”
Hillier returns to Queenstown following another outstanding season on the DP World Tour, highlighted by his runner-up finish at the Dubai Desert Classic, a top-five in Abu Dhabi, and a strong showing across the year that sees him finish 18th on the Race to Dubai rankings. A DP World Tour winner and Olympian, Hillier is currently New Zealand’s No 2-ranked male golfer.
“The New Zealand Open is always a highlight of the season,” said Hillier. “No matter where we are in the world or how busy the schedule gets, I always make time to come home and play this event. Competing in front of a home crowd, with family and friends around, is something you just can’t replicate. Winning the New Zealand Open is a massive goal for me.”
Kazuma Kobori also confirms his return after a remarkable first two seasons as a professional – winning three times in the 2024/25 season to claim the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, and then delivering a superb rookie campaign on the DP World Tour that earned him a place at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Now firmly established among the world’s top 200, Kobori arrives in career-best form.
“Coming back to play the New Zealand Open is always special,” said Kobori.
“I love being home, playing in front of our supporters, and competing alongside so many of New Zealand’s best golfers. It’s a tournament I’ve dreamed of winning for a long time, and I can’t wait to be back at Millbrook.”
Tournament director Michael Glading says the 100-day milestone marks both anticipation and evolution.
“We’re proud to see so many of New Zealand’s top players making their way to Queenstown for the tournament. While we are an internationally recognised event that is followed all around the world, having our best players on display—flying the flag and making their mark on the tournament’s history—is what it’s all about.”
In another exciting development, the New Zealand Open announced the launch of “The Landing”—a new premium hospitality experience available for public sale for the first time. Located at the heart of the action with prime views over the tournament’s closing 18th hole, The Landing combines gourmet food, fine beverages, and exceptional viewing for an unforgettable tournament experience. More information can be found at nzopen.com/thelanding.
With just 99 days to go, the stage is set for another world-class week at Millbrook Resort, where New Zealand’s finest golfers will take on an international field in pursuit of the Brodie Breeze Trophy and a place in history.
The 105th New Zealand Open will be held at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from February 26 to March 1, 2026.