Legacy On The Line As Past Champions Return

A powerful sense of history will be on display next week as a strong contingent of past champions return to compete at the 105th New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort.

Leading the group is defending champion Ryan Peake, who returns to Queenstown with memories of a career-defining victory still fresh. He will be joined by two-time champion Brad Kennedy, fan favourite Brendan Jones, the last Kiwi winner Michael Hendry, as well as former champions Matthew Griffin, Jordan Zunic and Dimi Papadatos, all chasing another chapter in their New Zealand Open legacy.
 
Tournament Director Michael Glading says welcoming back past champions is one of the great traditions of the event.
 
“The New Zealand Open has always been a tournament that honours its history, and we absolutely love welcoming our past champions back,” said Glading. “These players have helped shape the story of the event, and it’s fantastic to see them return to Millbrook Resort to compete again and reconnect with everything the tournament represents.”
 
The strong sense of tradition will again be celebrated at the annual Champions Dinner, held on the Monday before tournament week. The evening brings together past winners from across the decades, with legends such as Sir Bob Charles, Greg Turner and many others invited to share stories and celebrate the enduring legacy of the championship.
 
For the 2025 champion, Ryan Peake, returning to Millbrook Resort as the defending champion is a special moment. “It’s a huge honour to come back and defend the New Zealand Open,” said Peake.

“As soon as I arrive at Millbrook, I know all the memories will come flooding back. It’s such a special place and such a special tournament, and I can’t wait to get back out there and do it all again.”
 
For Michael Hendry, the New Zealand Open remains a tournament unlike any other, with his 2017 victory still standing as the last time a New Zealander lifted the iconic Brodie Breeze Trophy.
 
“The New Zealand Open will always hold a special place for me,” said Hendry. “I’m incredibly proud to be able to say I won my national Open, and coming back to Millbrook always brings back great memories. It’s a tournament that means a lot to the players, especially New Zealanders, and it’s always an honour to tee it up alongside past champions and be part of its history.”
 
The 105th New Zealand Open promises not only world-class competition but a celebration of the rich history that continues to define one of the game’s most treasured events.

The New Zealand Open returns to Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from 26 February to 1 March 2026.

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