Papadatos turned professional in 2012 and played on the Asian and European Challenge Tour for several years but after gaining partial status to the European Tour in 2019.
His big breakthrough would come when winning the 2014 New Zealand Open in by four shots with a closing round of 6-under 66 to hold off Kiwi Mark Brown.
Speaking in 2014 about his victory, Papadatos said “Obviously some great players have won this event, it’s a massive honour.”
“I wouldn’t have told you at the start of the week I was capable of this … I’m really happy.”
New Zealand Golf Open Championship winner, Australian Dimitiros Papadatos with The NZ Open Trophy. The Hills, Arrowtown, New Zealand. Sunday 2 March 2014. Photo: Michael Thomas / www.Photosport.co.nz
His other wins in addition to the New Zealand Open came when winning the 2017 WAPGA Championship, the 2017 Vic Open and the European Challenge Tour’s Open de Portugal in 2018.
In 2022, Dimitrios Papadatos joined the likes of Australian golf legends Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle as a two-time winner of the Vic Open.
Papadatos loves Queenstown and wants to add a second New Zealand Open title to his trophy wall.
“Coming back to Queenstown is always a highlight on the calendar. Definitely one of the best tournaments in the world at one of if not the best place in the world.”
“The New Zealand Open was my first professional win and I’d love to win another one.”
With the new course at Millbrook Resort in play for the first time, Papadatos is looking to get into town a little bit earlier to check it out.
I plan on arriving a bit earlier than normal to see the new course at Millbrook and familiarise myself with it. I think a couple of extra practice rounds during the week will definitely help.”
New Zealand Golf Open Championship winner, Australian Dimitiros Papadatos celebrates. The Hills, Arrowtown, New Zealand. Sunday 2 March 2014. Photo: Michael Thomas/ www.Photosport.co.nz
Papadatos will be looking on his strengths to see him through the tournament and is hoping for the positive memories from 2014 to inspire him.
“Usually, my putting is pretty reliable which makes the pure greens at Millbrook Resort very appealing. I haven’t been playing great lately but I’m sure all the good memories will give me an extra boost for the week”
