The 2025 New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport has announced an all-star roster of ambassadors, featuring rugby great Richie McCaw and former tennis world number one Ash Barty. The tournament, set for February 27 to March 2 at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, carries a $2 million prize purse and remains unique as the world’s only national Open played in a pro-am format.
The ambassador team includes cricket icons Stephen Fleming and Ricky Ponting, rugby stars Israel Dagg and Jeff Wilson, rally driver Hayden Paddon, and basketball player Tom Abercrombie.
McCaw, the two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be a part of the New Zealand Open. Golf has always been a sport I love, and to be able to play alongside the professionals as they duke it out for our national title is really exciting.”
While Barty returns as a non-playing ambassador following her previous participation, Ponting will make his eighth appearance at the event, which he describes as his “favourite week of the year.”
The tournament brings together professional golfers and amateurs in one of Australasia’s premier golfing events.
- Richie McCaw, former All Black captain, two-time Rugby World Cup winner, World Rugby Hall of Fame.
- Ash Barty, former world #1 women’s tennis player, Grand Slam Champion, 15 career titles across the world.
- Hayden Paddon, New Zealand’s leading rally driver, known for his successes in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
- Tom Abercrombie, four-time National Basketball League champion and 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.
- Ricky Ponting, former Australian cricketer and one of the game’s greatest players, offering a global perspective to the event.
- Stephen Fleming, former captain of the New Zealand cricket team and one of the nation’s most respected athletes.
- Jeff Wilson, rugby legend, multi-sport icon and accomplished broadcaster, widely regarded as one of the greatest All Blacks of all time.
- Israel Dagg, former All Blacks star and World Cup champion, known for his leadership and skill on the rugby field.
