Queenstown provided a fitting backdrop for the 2026 BMW Golf Cup National Final, where amateur golfers from Australia and New Zealand battled for the chance to represent their country at the tournament’s World Final in South Africa.
Held across four days at Millbrook Resort and Jack’s Point, the event brought together players who had qualified through BMW dealership tournaments across both countries.
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The winners will now head to Fancourt in South Africa to compete against national champions from around the world. The BMW Golf Cup is one of the largest amateur golf tournament series in the world, attracting more than 100,000 participants across more than 50 countries each year. Former Australian tour professional Nick O’Hern opened proceedings with a course briefing, helping finalists prepare for the competition ahead.
The women contested their final on Millbrook’s Coronet 18 Course, while the men took on Jack’s Point, whose spectacular setting overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range is among New Zealand’s most memorable golfing backdrops.
Away from the course, players and guests enjoyed a programme of hospitality, including lunch at Queenstown’s Ayrburn precinct and an awards evening at Peregrine Wines. Steven Tan claimed the Australian men’s title with an impressive 49 points, seven clear of runner-up Victor Liu. Danny Loypur finished third with 41 points.
Hwa Lee topped the women’s Australian standings with 41 points, six ahead of Jianying Qiu, while Ana Liza Hirst took third place with 34 points.Rashid Bharuchi won the New Zealand men’s title with 45 points, finishing 11 clear of Martin Kambla, who edged Avinesh Kumar for second place on countback after both players finished with 34 points. Cher Xiong claimed the women’s title with 37 points, four ahead of Sharon Faul. Prescilla Ma finished third on 31 points, taking the final podium position on countback.
The countback decisions made for close finishes in both New Zealand divisions, with Ma securing third in the women’s competition and Kambla taking second in the men’s event.
BMW Australia general manager of marketing Alex McLean said the tournament was as much about bringing owners together as it was about the results.
“The BMW Golf Cup is about much more than competition. It’s an opportunity for BMW owners to come together, connect through a shared passion for golf, and enjoy the unique experiences that are part of being a BMW owner,” McLean said.
“Congratulations to all competitors, and we wish our National Final winners every success as they prepare to represent Australia and New Zealand on the world stage.”
The BMW Golf Cup has been running for more than 40 years, forming part of the marque’s involvement in golf at amateur and professional levels.
BMW owners interested in competing in the 2027 series can contact their preferred BMW dealership for further information or register their interest HERE.
