Surfing legend Kelly Slater, tennis great Ash Barty, cricketing icons Stephen Fleming and Ricky Ponting, dual-black and broadcaster Jeff Wilson, All Blacks favourite Israel Dagg, New Zealand basketball legend Tom Abercrombie, and Hollywood actor Michael Peña will all serve as official New Zealand Open ambassadors and participate in the pro-am event, reinforcing the tournament’s reputation as one of the most distinctive and inclusive events on the international sporting calendar.
New Zealand Open Chairman John Hart believes the ambassador group represents what makes the tournament unique — excellence, atmosphere and a shared love of golf, set against one of the world’s most spectacular backdrops.
“The New Zealand Open has always been about more than just world-class golf — it’s about bringing people, places and stories together. To have icons of this calibre supporting the tournament as ambassadors speaks volumes about the event we’ve built and the experience we offer here in Queenstown. Their involvement helps showcase the New Zealand Open to a truly global audience.”
A global sporting icon whose career has transcended his sport and is widely regarded as one of the most influential athletes of his generation, surfing legend Kelly Slater said the opportunity to be part of the New Zealand Open was an easy decision, drawn by the tournament’s distinctive atmosphere and its world-renowned Queenstown setting.
“I’ve been fortunate to compete in some of the most iconic locations around the world, and Queenstown sits right at the top of that list. From what I have seen and people have told me, the New Zealand Open has a truly unique atmosphere — from the spectacular setting to the people and the hospitality. I’m genuinely excited to be part of it and experience the week firsthand.”
Tennis legend Ash Barty is returning to play in her second New Zealand Open pro-am and is excited to challenge herself again against the course and her fellow ambassadors.
“The New Zealand Open is one of those weeks I circle on the calendar every year now. Millbrook Resort is such a special place, and I’m incredibly excited to be playing again.”
Hollywood star Michael Peña returns for his second year after experiencing the tournament for the first time in 2025, a week he describes as unforgettable.
“Coming to the New Zealand Open last year was honestly one of the best sporting experiences I’ve ever had,” said Peña. “The golf, the people, the setting — everything about Queenstown and Millbrook was next level. I had such an amazing time in 2025 that saying yes to coming back was a no-brainer. I can’t wait to be part of it again.”
Adding further depth to the ambassador group is respected broadcaster and former All Black Jeff Wilson, who will play a unique on-course role throughout the week as caddie for two-time Charles Schwab Cup champion Steven Alker.
“The New Zealand Open is one of my favourite weeks on the sporting calendar. Being involved as an ambassador is special, and after playing for a few years, I thought I’d try something different. Never did I expect to have the chance to caddie for Steven Alker, though. This will be an awesome perspective and something I’ll never forget,” said Wilson.
“Having Jeff on the bag is pretty cool. He knows the New Zealand Open inside out and brings such great energy to everything he does. Playing this tournament at home, with the support of the fans and alongside ambassadors like this, makes it incredibly special,” said Alker.
The 2026 New Zealand Open will be played across Millbrook Resort’s iconic Coronet and Remarkables courses, between February 26 and March 1, 2026, with the ambassador programme adding to an already compelling week of world-class sport, entertainment and hospitality.
