Na, a five-time PGA Tour winner renowned for his short game brilliance and competitive edge, will make his New Zealand Open debut, while Watney, also a five-time PGA Tour champion and former Ryder Cup player, will play in one of Australasia’s most iconic tournaments. Stanley will be returning to New Zealand after a 15-year gap.
All three players will experience Queenstown for the first time, and the opportunity to compete at Millbrook Resort has them eager to make the journey south. “I’ve heard so many great things about Queenstown and the New Zealand Open,” said Na.
“To finally have the chance to come down, see the place for myself and play such a historic tournament is something I’m really looking forward to. Millbrook looks incredible, and I can’t wait to get there.”
Watney echoed those sentiments, excited by the setting and the chance to test his game in New Zealand.
“This will be my first trip to Queenstown, and everything I’ve seen and heard about it looks amazing,” said Watney. “The New Zealand Open has a great reputation, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Kyle Stanley added his enthusiasm, saying, “This event has been on my radar for some time, and I am extremely grateful that the tournament has invited me along. New Zealand is a country I have been looking forward to returning to, having played in the NZPGA Championship at Clearwater back in 2010.
Tournament Director Michael Glading said securing Na, Stanley and Watney further strengthened an already strong international field.
“To have three proven PGA Tour winners of this calibre commit to the New Zealand Open is fantastic for the tournament,” said Glading.
“Kevin, Kyle and Nick bring immense experience, competitiveness and global profile, and they add real depth and quality to the field.”
“Kevin’s exploits on both the LIV and PGA tours are well known to many, Kyle is a two-time PGA Tour winner, and of course Nick is a former top ten player in the world; we’re thrilled to welcome them all to Queenstown.”
All three players will maximise their visit by playing in one of the other New Zealand events this month on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, with Kyle Stanley teeing it up in the Quinovic NZPGA Championship at Paraparaumu this week, and both Watney and Na moving to Auckland after the New Zealand Open to compete in the professional event at Royal Auckland early March.
