New Zealand’s leading golfers will arrive in Queenstown this month with a clear mission – to become the first Kiwi to lift the Brodie Breeze Trophy since Michael Hendry’s memorable victory in 2017.
In the last 20 editions of the New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort, only two NewZealanders have managed to claim the prestigious title, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the home contingent.
But with a powerful group of Kiwis set to tee it up at Millbrook Resort, belief is growing that 2025 could be the year the trophy stays on home soil.
Leading the charge is an impressive quartet: Steven Alker, Ben Campbell, Daniel Hillier, and Kazuma Kobori, each arriving with strong international credentials and recent form across the world’s major tours.
For Ben Campbell, the opportunity to win on familiar turf adds extra motivation, with Millbrook effectively a home course.
“Winning the New Zealand Open would mean everything,” said Campbell. “To do it at Millbrook, in front of friends, family and home fans, would be incredibly special. You always dream about moments like that growing up, and having the chance to make it happen here is something I’m really excited about.”
Kazuma Kobori at the 103rd New Zealand Open. Photo / Photosport
Fresh off a string of strong performances on the DP World Tour, Daniel Hillier continues to establish himself as one of New Zealand’s most consistent performers on the international stage and enters the tournament as the top-ranked player in the field, having just broken into the top 100 (from the World Golf Rankings).
Kazuma Kobori returns to Millbrook as a fan favourite and with newfound confidence from his first full season on the DP World Tour, where he cemented his position as a top 50 player on tour. Meanwhile, Steven Alker’s experience and incredible performances on the US Champions Tour prove that he will be a constant threat whenever he tees it up.
Adding to the Kiwi motivation is the prize that awaits the winner – not only the Brodie Breeze Trophy, but also a coveted place at The Open Championship later this year.
“Every Kiwi wants to be the next name on that trophy,” said in-form Kiwi Nick Voke. “To win the New Zealand Open and earn a start at The Open would be a dream come true. That’s what we’re all chasing.”
Tournament director Michael Glading said, “While the New Zealand Open is now firmly an international event attracting top players from around the world, we would love to see the next champion hail from New Zealand. The home fans are passionate, and nothing would be more special than seeing one of our own lift the Brodie Breeze Trophy again.”
“This year we have no less than four Kiwis who won on the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2025, and when you add in some of the talented younger generation like Jared Edwards and Jimmy Zheng, the future is very bright”.
Depth will be a strength for the home side, with a number of New Zealanders adding further firepower to the field, including 2017 New Zealand Open Champion, Michael Hendry, Sam Jones (currently playing on the European Challenge Tour), Tyler Hodge (winner of the 2025 NZPGA Championship), Kerry Mountcastle, Nick Voke and Josh Geary (all winners in 2025 in Australia).
History adds another layer of intrigue. Australians have claimed 46 New Zealand Open titles, while New Zealand winners sit just behind on 42 victories. With a strong home line-up assembled, anticipation is building that 2026 could finally be the year a Kiwi once again lifts the Brodie Breeze Trophy.
