The 105th New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook Resort has received a major boost with the confirmation that PGA Tour winners Kevin Na, Nick Watney and Kyle Stanley will compete in next week’s tournament at Queenstown.
Na, who has claimed five PGA Tour victories and built a reputation for exceptional short game skills and fierce competitiveness, will make his New Zealand Open debut. He’ll be joined by Watney, another five-time PGA Tour champion and former Ryder Cup representative, competing in one of Australasia’s most prestigious tournaments. Meanwhile, Stanley returns to New Zealand after a 15-year absence.
The trio will experience Queenstown for the first time, drawn by the opportunity to compete at the renowned Millbrook Resort.
“I’ve heard so many great things about Queenstown and the New Zealand Open,” Na said. “To finally have the chance to come down, see the place for myself and play such a historic tournament is something I’m really looking forward to. Millbrook looks incredible, and I can’t wait to get there.”
Watney shared similar enthusiasm about the prospect of testing himself in New Zealand. “This will be my first trip to Queenstown, and everything I’ve seen and heard about it looks amazing. The New Zealand Open has a great reputation, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Stanley expressed his gratitude for the invitation, saying: “This event has been on my radar for some time, and I am extremely grateful that the tournament has invited me along. New Zealand is a country I have been looking forward to returning to, having played in the NZPGA Championship at Clearwater back in 2010.”
Tournament Director Michael Glading said the addition of Na, Stanley and Watney significantly strengthens an already impressive international field.
“To have three proven PGA Tour winners of this calibre commit to the New Zealand Open is fantastic for the tournament,” Glading said. “Kevin, Kyle and Nick bring immense experience, competitiveness and global profile, and they add real depth and quality to the field.
“Kevin’s exploits on both the LIV and PGA tours are well known to many, Kyle is a two-time PGA Tour winner, and of course Nick is a former top ten player in the world. We’re thrilled to welcome them all to Queenstown.”
The players are maximising their time in New Zealand by competing in additional events this month. Stanley is playing in the Quinovic NZPGA Championship at Paraparaumu this week, while Watney and Na will head to Auckland after the New Zealand Open to compete in the professional event at Royal Auckland in early March.
