NZ’s big guns coming to Millbrook—all with one purpose

Four of New Zealand’s top golfers have confirmed they will be at Millbrook in February.

Queenstown favourite Ben Campbell, Champions Tour star Steven Alker, Daniel Hillier and Kazuma Kobori will line up for the 105th New Zealand Open.

Having come tantalisingly close to lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy on multiple occasions, LIV golfer Campbell is determined 2026 will be his year.

"The New Zealand Open is the one we all want to win," Campbell said.

"I’ve had a few really good runs at it, and I’d love nothing more than to get across the line.

‘‘Millbrook Resort is my home course, and the team always delivers a world-class event. Playing in front of the home crowd gives me that extra bit of drive."

Alker, who finished third in the Champions Tour’s Charles Schwab Cup standings, lives in the United States most of the year but will again return to New Zealand to seek a title he cherishes.

"It’s always a privilege to come home and play in the New Zealand Open," Alker said.

"This event means a lot to all of us who’ve represented New Zealand around the world. It would mean the world to me to lift that trophy in front of my friends and family."

Hillier returns to Queenstown following another outstanding season on the DP World Tour, highlighted by his runner-up finish at the Dubai Desert Classic, a top-five in Abu Dhabi and a strong showing across the year that helped him him finish 18th in the Race to Dubai rankings.

A DP World Tour winner and Olympian, Hillier is New Zealand’s No 2 male golfer behind Ryan Fox.

"The New Zealand Open is always a highlight of the season," Hillier said.

"No matter where we are in the world or how busy the schedule gets, I always make time to come home and play this event.

‘‘Winning the New Zealand Open is a massive goal for me."

Kobori also confirms his return after a remarkable first two seasons as a professional.

He won three times in the 2024-25 season to claim the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, and delivered a superb rookie campaign on the DP World Tour that earned him a place at the season-ending championship.

Now firmly established among the world’s top 200, Kobori arrives in career-best form.

"Coming back to play the New Zealand Open is always special," Kobori said.

"I love being home, playing in front of our supporters and competing alongside so many of New Zealand’s best golfers. It’s a tournament I’ve dreamed of winning for a long time, and I can’t wait to be back at Millbrook." — Allied Media