Ever questioned how a nation known for its stunning landscapes, thrilling excursions, and tranquil beaches becomes a battlefield for the best golfers in the world? The New Zealand Open, one of the prestigious golf events, attracts some of the best players in the world each year as summer peaks in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, the 104th edition, hosted by Sky Sport, is scheduled to create history in 2025 from February 27 to March 2 at Queenstown’s breathtaking Millbrook Resort.
For more than a century, the New Zealand Open has established a reputation for brilliance and heritage. Legendary players have graced its greens since it was first played in 1907. However, in a thrilling battle for the title last year, Takahiro Hataji of Japan stole the spotlight. His victory was more than simply a trophy; it was a testament to his tenacity, accuracy, and an instance of fulfillment that will live on in the history of the competition.
With a larger prize fund and a top-tier roster scheduled to play in 2025, this edition is likely to be even more intriguing. Anticipation is at its peak as the countdown starts. Is there going to be another spectacular triumph, and how much will the winner receive? Let’s find out!
A record-shaking New Zealand Open prize pool for 2025
Imagine overcoming jet lag, strange greens, intense competition, and traveling the world only to miss the cut by a single shot. That heartache feels awful. However, there is a bright side at the 2025 New Zealand Open. A considerate tribute to the sacrifices competitors make, the prize pool has an unprecedented NZD $2 million, and even those who fail to make it beyond the 36-hole cut will receive NZD $1,000. Not only is the prize money increasing, but it also aims to make the tournament more competitive and inclusive for players from the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Korean Tour, and PGA Tour of Australasia. So, let’s check out quickly what players are getting specifically for the position they will hold in the final match!
Position
Prize (NZD)
Prize (USD)
1
$360,000
$201,600
2
$220,000
$123,200
3
$126,000
$70,560
4
$100,000
$56,000
5
$82,000
$45,920
6
$66,600
$37,296
7
$57,000
$31,920
8
$49,000
$27,440
9
$42,800
$23,968
10
$38,200
$21,392
11
$34,900
$19,544
12
$32,500
$18,200
13
$30,300
$16,968
14
$28,900
$16,184
15
$27,700
$15,512
16
$26,500
$14,840
17
$25,300
$14,168
18
$24,100
$13,496
19
$23,100
$12,936
20
$22,300
$12,488
21
$21,800
$12,208
22
$21,200
$11,872
23
$20,600
$11,536
24
$20,000
$11,200
25
$19,400
$10,864
26
$18,800
$10,528
27
$18,200
$10,192
28
$17,600
$9,856
29
$17,000
$9,520
30
$16,400
$9,184
31
$16,200
$9,072
32
$15,600
$8,736
33
$15,200
$8,512
34
$14,800
$8,288
35
$14,400
$8,064
36
$14,000
$7,840
37
$13,600
$7,616
38
$13,200
$7,392
39
$12,800
$7,168
40
$12,400
$6,944
41
$12,100
$6,776
42
$11,700
$6,552
43
$11,300
$6,328
44
$10,900
$6,104
45
$10,700
$5,992
46
$10,600
$5,936
47
$10,200
$5,712
48
$9,800
$5,488
49
$9,400
$5,264
50
$9,000
$5,040
51
$8,600
$4,816
52
$8,200
$4,592
53
$7,800
$4,368
54
$7,600
$4,256
55
$7,400
$4,144
56
$7,200
$4,032
57
$7,000
$3,920
58
$6,800
$3,808
59
$6,600
$3,696
60
$6,400
$3,584
61
$6,200
$3,472
62
$6,000
$3,360
63
$5,800
$3,248
64
$5,600
$3,136
65
$5,400
$3,024
This makes the tournament a great success by guaranteeing that the top 65 players receive a substantial sum. Furthermore, the top player, who isn’t already exempt, who advances to the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport will be eligible to compete in the 153rd Open, which will take place at Royal Portrush from July 13–20, 2025. While we evaluate the prize pool, let’s also find out who is competing in the tournament to take home this huge fund.
A Stunning Challenge in an Elite Field
The 2025 New Zealand Open’s international appeal can be seen by the impressive roster of 156 players from 17 different countries. Among the notable competitors is Ben Campbell of New Zealand, who had an incredible 2024 season, winning the International Series Morocco and placing second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. A player to keep an eye on is Campbell, given his recent success and expertise with the Millbrook Resort.
American golfer John Catlin, the 2024 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, is another popular player. With two wins and several top-10 performances from the previous season, Catlin’s steady play makes him a serious candidate for the championship. The Remarkables and Coronet courses at Millbrook Resort, both of which have par-71 designs and have different difficulties, will host the competition. A 6,961-yard composite layout that incorporates aspects of each will be used for the last two rounds. This creative strategy not only puts the players’ adaptability to the test but also improves the viewing experience through rendering the course more approachable and interesting.
As a result, the 2025 New Zealand Open is expected to be a historic occasion that combines extensive history with contemporary improvements. An incredible show awaits golf fans with a record-breaking prize fund, an outstanding and diversified field, and the stunning Queenstown background. This competition provides an enthralling look into the world of professional golf at its best, regardless of your level of experience with the game.
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