Hayden Paddon is a New Zealand rally driver known for his success in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Born in Geraldine, New Zealand, Paddon began his motorsport career in rallying in the early 2000s.
He gained international recognition after securing a podium finish in the 2016 Rally Argentina, making him the first New Zealander in over 30 years to achieve a WRC podium.
Paddon has driven for various teams, including Hyundai, and has been a key figure in the development of rallying in New Zealand.
Beyond the WRC, Paddon is involved in motorsport and car preparation, including his own team, Paddon Rallysport.
- Where is your home golf club? Cromwell Golf Club
- What’s your current handicap? 8.7
- What’s the best your handicap has been? 7.9
- Golfing highlight: Breaking 80 for the first time
- Your favourite course in New Zealand? Rangatira with its unique 3-tier course, and Jacks Point
- How has your golf been since the last New Zealand Open? Didn’t get to play much golf in 2024 because of injury and the Rally season, starting to ramp up again now
- What is the New Zealand Open experience like? Playing in the New Zealand Open is one of my sporting highlights of the year. It’s so amazing being inside the ropes with the Pros, giving you a whole new appreciation for the game. It is also an amazing venue for the tournament and surrounded by like-minded people
- What is it like playing alongside a professional? This will be my 5th time playing, and each and every year take away new memories and experiences. The golf is almost secondary to the experience, but playing alongside the pros just puts into perspective of how good they are, but also how cutthroat golf is to be competing at a high-level week in, week out.
