His win caused lots of emotion in the Zunic family due to a near-fatal car accident in Arkansas in August of 2013. Speaking to Fox Sports back in 2015, Zunic said:
“My family were back home. I was just thinking about them and what it would mean for us as a family, so I was in shock.”
“I had worked really hard, but I couldn’t believe it. That’s why the tears came out,”
“Even though the accident was horrible, I feel it’s made me stronger. I really appreciate life now. I realise how fragile it is.”
After his victory in 2015, Zunic came runner-up to Cameron Smith in the 2017 Australian PGA Championship in a second extra-hole playoff, he won the Queensland Open in 2018 and has 32 top 20 finishes on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Speaking about his return to the New Zealand Open, Zunic shares a special connection with Queenstown, and not just because of his victory back in 2015.
“Obviously, Queenstown is a very special place for me, as it was my first professional win not long after having turned professional,” said Zunic
“The New Zealand Open is always a very fun week; I love the location and the atmosphere that surrounds the event.”
Zunic believes his game has developed positively since his rookie year on tour and credits much of the improvement in his game to observing those around him.
“I feel I’m a much better player overall than I was back in 2015, particularly with the mental side of the game. I have learnt a lot over the years playing on tour, especially when there are a lot of great players on the field. And watching the best ones get it done when it matters on Sunday afternoon is where you learn the most.”
“The New Zealand Open is also where I met my now wife back in 2015, and I am lucky that my wife’s parents live on the course at Millbrook, so it’s like my home away from home.”
“I spent some time at Millbrook over the recent Christmas break and was able to play the new course. I am really looking forward to playing it in competition, and there are some really cool holes to play.”
Enjoy the highlights below of the final round of Jordan’s 2015 New Zealand Open victory.
