Historic Partnership Ends 20-Year Wait for Professional Golf in Auckland
Professional golf is set to make a triumphant return to New Zealand’s largest city this autumn, ending a two-decade hiatus with a “groundbreaking” international collaboration.
The ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship is scheduled to take place from March 5–8, 2025, at the prestigious Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club.
The event marks a historic first: a direct co-sanctioning partnership between the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
A New Chapter for the Pacific Rim
The tournament is the brainchild of Dr. Haruhisa Handa, founder of ISPS HANDA, who sought to use the sport as a bridge between nations. With a substantial NZD $1.3 million prize pool, the event will pit the best of the Japanese circuit against the top talent from New Zealand and Australia.
“The relationship between Japan and Australasia is vitally important,” said Dr. Handa. “We are very pleased to help foster it through this championship.”
The sentiment was echoed by PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman, who labeled the tournament a “significant milestone.” For players, the stakes are high, as the event serves as the finale for the 20-event Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season and provides a massive platform for those chasing the Order of Merit title.
The “New Zealand Swing”
The addition of this tournament creates an unprecedented three-week festival of elite golf across the country:
- Feb 19–22: NZ PGA Championship (Paraparaumu Beach)
- Feb 26–Mar 1: NZ Open (Queenstown)
- Mar 5–8: ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship (Auckland)
A Return to the “City of Sails”
Auckland has not hosted a major men’s professional tournament since 2004. The selection of the Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club—which recently underwent a massive redevelopment, highlights the city’s readiness to return to the global stage.
“When the tours approached us as the only venue capable of hosting an event of this calibre, it was recognition of our 130-year commitment to excellence,” said Club Captain Craig Sinclair.
Local officials are equally optimistic. Nick Hill, Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, noted that the event is a prime opportunity to showcase Auckland’s manaakitanga (hospitality) to an international audience.
