John has been one of the standout performers of the Australian summer and arrives in Queenstown at the top of the season-long standings. With two wins already this season, including the Vic Open last month, John almost claimed a third win of the season at the Webex Players Series Victoria event on the Mornington Peninsula, only to miss out in a thrilling four-hole play-off to Jordan Doull. John will be eager to convert his consistency into a breakthrough international victory.
Hot on John’s heels in the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit race is NSW Open winner Christopher Wood, who also arrives in Queenstown in outstanding form and with plenty to play for as the Australian season reaches its climax. The experienced campaigner will be returning for his sixth New Zealand Open and has been a model of consistency throughout the summer, putting himself firmly in contention for top honours and adding further firepower to the Australian challenge at Millbrook.
John and Wood will be joined by a formidable Australian contingent, which includes DP World Tour member Anthony Quayle, Curtis Luck, Harrison Crowe, and rising talent like Lachlan Barker, Jordan Doull, James Marchesani and Haydn Barron. It will ensure that the trans-Tasman rivalry will again be a defining storyline at the 2026 New Zealand Open.
Leading Australians who ply their trade on the Asian Tour include perennial winner Wade Ormsby, highly ranked Travis Smyth and last year’s joint runner-up Jack Thompson.
Adding further depth to an already strong Australian field are defending champion Ryan Peake and LIV Golf star Lucas Herbert, both capable of lighting up Millbrook’s Coronet and Remarkables courses by going low.
New Zealand Open Tournament Director Michael Glading said the strength of the Australian players continues to grow each year, reflecting the depth of talent coming through the region.
“Every year the quality of the Australians in our field keeps rising, and it’s no coincidence that five of the last six New Zealand Open champions have come from Australia,” Glading said.
“They arrive battle-hardened, in great form, and they always bring a competitive edge that lifts the entire tournament. This year’s group is as strong as we’ve ever seen, with so many recent first-time winners in the Australian events coming to New Zealand.”
Glading added that the incentive of a place in The Open Championship has intensified the battle at the top of the Australasian standings.
“With a start at The Open Championship on the line, we have had more interest than ever before,” Glading said. “It’s raised the intensity, and you can see how much it means to these players. They know a big week at the New Zealand Open can change everything, and that’s exactly the kind of drama you want heading into a championship like this.”
For Anthony Quayle, the New Zealand Open carries extra motivation, with the Queenslander keen to follow in the footsteps of his close friend and former champion Brendan Jones, who famously lifted the Brodie Breeze Trophy in Queenstown in 2023.
“This is a tournament I’ve always wanted to win,” Quayle said. “To see a good mate like Brendan win it in Queenstown makes you dream about doing it yourself. Millbrook is an incredible venue and I’d love nothing more than to have my name on that trophy as well.”
An interesting sideline to Quayle’s participation is that caddie legend Steve Williams will be on his bag for the New Zealand following a brief partnership in the two recent major Australian events.
With Australians dominating recent history, a new generation in top form, and the 2025 champion aiming to defend his crown, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter when the New Zealand Open tees off at Millbrook Resort on February 26. For more information, visit nzopen.com.
