[Photo: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images]
Two-time Australian Open champion and PGA Tour winner Matt Jones will be in the field for the second ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship, with tickets now on sale for the tournament’s return to Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club from February 18-21, 2027.
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One of Australia’s most credentialled players of the past 20 years, Jones has locked in his first professional appearance in Auckland where he will join players from the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, Japan Golf Tour and other international stars in the $1.2 million tournament.
The Sydneysider has played in 20 major championships, won the Australian Open in 2015 and 2019, with his PGA Tour victories coming at the Houston Open in 2014 and Honda Classic in 2021.
“I’m really excited to be heading over to Auckland and playing in the ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship,” Jones said. “I’ve heard plenty of good things about Royal Auckland & Grange and it will be great to finally get the chance to play there, especially in tournament conditions.
“I’ve played a lot of golf around the world, but I haven’t had the opportunity to play a professional event in Auckland before, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s a great concept bringing players from Australia, New Zealand and Japan together, and after seeing how successful the first tournament was, I’m looking forward to being part of it this time around.”
The inaugural ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship – the first men’s professional tournament in Auckland in two decades – provided a spectacular finish, with Australia’s Travis Smyth emerging victorious after a six-hole playoff against Jack Thompson to become the first name on the trophy.
The tournament is aimed at strengthening the golfing connections between Australasia and Japan while giving thousands of fans the opportunity to watch some of the region’s best professionals compete in New Zealand’s biggest city.
PGA Tour of Australasia general manager of tournaments and global tour relationships Nick Dastey said: “The inaugural ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship was a fantastic addition to our tour and delivered a week of outstanding golf at Royal Auckland & Grange.
“Matt Jones is a proven winner with an outstanding record, so to have him as the first confirmed player for the 2027 championship is fantastic news.
“He will bring plenty of experience to what we expect will be another strong international field, and we’re particularly excited to give New Zealand fans the opportunity to see Matt play in Auckland for the first time.
“Following the success of the inaugural championship, we’re looking forward to welcoming players and fans back to Royal Auckland & Grange for another terrific week of golf.”
Japan Golf Tour Organisation chairman Yutaka Morohoshi said the JGTO was looking forward to returning to Auckland in 2027.
“Royal Auckland & Grange provided an excellent stage for the inaugural tournament, and we were very impressed by the support from the players, the fans and everyone involved in bringing the championship to New Zealand,” Dr Morohoshi said.
“The partnership between the Japan Golf Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia is very important to us, and this championship is a great example of how golf can build stronger connections across the Asia-Pacific region.
“We hope the championship can continue to grow and become an important event for both tours and for golf fans in New Zealand, Japan and across Australasia.”
