[Photo: Gary Lisbon]
The Quinovic NZ PGA Championship 2026 runs from Thursday 19 February to Sunday 22 February at one of the most respected venues in New Zealand golf, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. This is a week where the course is just as important as the players.
The Course
Paraparaumu Beach is widely regarded as the spiritual home of golf in New Zealand. It has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times, more than any other venue, but has staged the NZ PGA only once before in 1959.
Designed in 1949 by Alex Russell, the links layout is known for firm fairways, natural dunes and subtle green complexes. It is a traditional coastal test where wind often plays a major role. While New Zealand has welcomed several modern courses over the past two decades, Paraparaumu Beach continues to rank among the country’s best.
Related: PGA Tour winners set for NZ double at Handa Japan-Australasia Championship
Notable Past Winners at the Venue
Paraparaumu Beach has crowned some of the game’s biggest names, including:
- Peter Thomson
- Bob Charles
- Billy Dunk
- Corey Pavin
- Greg Turner
- Michael Campbell
- Craig Parry
One of the most memorable visits came in 2002 when Tiger Woods competed shortly after winning the Masters. He finished tied sixth that week, six shots behind Craig Parry. That tournament remains the last major event held at the course until this championship.
The Field
A full field of 144 players will compete this week.
Three players who also competed at Paraparaumu in 2002 return:
- Peter Fowler
- Tim Wilkinson
- Mark Brown
The event forms part of a crucial stretch in the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season.
Victorian Cameron John arrives leading the Order of Merit after two wins this season. James Marchesani is fighting to secure a top-three position. Jordan Doull and Matias Sanchez are pushing to climb into those key spots.
The field includes strong international representation, with eight Americans in the draw, including two-time PGA TOUR winner Kyle Stanley. There are also players from Japan, Korea, Thailand, England and Ireland.
Players to Watch
Cameron John – Order of Merit leader
Jordan Doull – Two-time tour winner
Travis Smyth – Asian Tour winner
Kyle Stanley – Two-time PGA TOUR winner
Michael Hendry – Two-time NZ PGA champion
Event Details
Venue: Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand
Prize money: $200,000
Recent champion: Tyler Hodge
TV coverage:
Live on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports
Saturday 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm AEDT
Sunday 11:30 am to 4:30 pm AEDT
Recent Champions
2025 – Tyler Hodge, Hastings Golf Club
2024* – Pieter Zwart, Hastings Golf Club
2023 – Louis Dobbelaar, Gulf Harbour Country Club
2022 – Not contested
2021* – Tae Koh, Te Puke Golf Club
2020 – Not contested
2019 – Kazuma Kobori, Pegasus Golf, Sports Club
2018 – Ben Campbell, Manawatu Golf Club
2017 – Jarryd Felton, Manawatu Golf Club
2016 – Brad Kennedy, Remuera Golf Club
2015 – Matthew Millar, Remuera Golf Club
*Non Tour event
Championship Records Since 2002
Largest winning margin
5 strokes – Peter O’Malley, 2002
Lowest 72 hole score
266 – Brad Kennedy, 2016
266 – Ben Campbell, 2018
Lowest round
62 – Antonio Murdaca, Round 3, 2018
Most birdies in a tournament
27 – Sung Jin Yeo, 2022
Most birdies in a round
10 – Deyen Lawson, 2018
10 – Cameron John, 2019
10 – Sung Jin Yeo, 2022
10 – Justin Warren, 2022
Most consecutive birdies in a round
7 – David Hearn, 2007
7 – Sung Jin Yeo, 2022
