The prestigious Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club will host a new event in 2026 with professional golf to make a major return to New Zealand’s largest city.

The ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship was officially launched on Tuesday, December 17 and will be held next March. Co-sanctioned by two of the world’s most renowned and respected tours - the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) - the new championship marks the first time in history the tours have partnered together in a tournament.

Approximately $1.2 million in prizemoney will be offered and brings world-class golf back to Auckland for the first time since 2004 with leading players from Australasia and Japan alongside rising stars from across the region expected to take part. 

The host venue, Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club, recently completed a major redevelopment and is recognised as one of New Zealand’s finest championship layouts.

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman hailed the new event as a significant milestone for golf in the region.

“This tournament represents an exciting new chapter for golf in our part of the world,” Kirkman said. “Partnering with the Japan Golf Tour for the first time is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen ties between our Tours and provide our players with a truly international stage.

“We’re also very grateful to continue our long-standing relationship with ISPS HANDA, who have supported golf globally for many decades and who have helped to bring this historic partnership to fruition.

“New Zealand has a rich golfing heritage, and bringing tournament golf back to Auckland is something we’re immensely proud to support.”

The addition of the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship creates an unprecedented three-week swing of professional golf in New Zealand.

The New Zealand PGA Championship will be played at the stunning Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club from February 19-22, followed by the New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from February 26-March 1.

The NZ Open is co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the Asian Tour, with invited players from the Japan Golf Tour.

The announcement of the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship completes the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia’s 2025/26 schedule which now has 20 events, all contributing to the chase for rewards via the Order of Merit.

Story: Nick Creely, Picture: Supplied