Golfing contenders ready to go one better at New Zealand Open

The pair finished tied on 22-under-par last year, one shot behind winner Ryan Peake from Australia, and both believe they are better prepared as a result for the 2026 event that tees off on Thursday at the resort courses near Queenstown.
 
At home on layouts where length off the tee isn’t such a big factor in success, Snyman believes he is well placed to contend again this year, having missed a 2m putt on the final hole to force a playoff 12 months ago.
 
“You don’t have to be a long hitter but it does help. If you are just above average then you can get past most of the bunkers, which does make a difference, especially on the par-5s,” said Snyman.
 
“I don’t think the longer hitters have a massive advantage. Keeping it on the fairway will give you a chance on the par-5s which levels things out.
 
“A lot of finesse is required around Millbrook, so it is open to anyone. You don’t have to be long to win here this week.”
 
Likewise Higa, who has 13-career wins in Japan and Asia to his credit, said he was looking forward to the 2026 event.
 
“We both had a chance coming down the stretch. We both had birdie putts at the last – I had a shorter one but unfortunately my one lipped out. I am back and going to give it my best this year,” said Higa.
 
“Last year there were a lot of Japanese players who did well, and it is good to be mixed in with some of those again this year. The level of the Japanese players is improving all the time.
 
“The courses here are a lot different to Japan but the players on the Asian Tour especially must adapt to these different courses. And most of those players play well here.
 
“To come here to New Zealand and to play this course is something they look forward to.”
 
Snyman said he chooses to remain based in South Africa, despite the hefty travel schedule.
 
“All my friends and family are there so for me it is worth it. We have four events in a row and then I can get two weeks at time. So for me mentally, travelling back and forth is worth it.
 
“But sometimes I am jealous of the players here who only have to travel four or five hours to an event where a normal trip is 20 hours travel for me.”
 
He loves the outdoor opportunities in Queenstown and the special experience with host families.
 
“My first year I got introduced to a host family who made this trip so memorable. I played with a bee-keeper hat in my first year and so the next year I came , the two host families all had those hats on with “Team Snyman” written on the back. I started crying before I hit my first tee shot.
 
“That is one of the reasons I come back. Obviously, Queenstown is beautiful. I did fly-fishing last year and we did jet-boating this year. It is on my top three places of all time for me.”
 
The New Zealand Open confirmed a $2million NZD total prize purse will be on offer for the which underscores the tournament’s stature on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.