New Zealand Open

What New Zealand Open does

The New Zealand Open is an annual professional golf tournament operated by Millbrook Tournaments Ltd, a private New Zealand company headquartered at 1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown, near Queenstown. Established in 1907, the 2026 event marked the 105th edition and the 2027 event the 106th, making it one of the oldest national opens in the world. The tournament is co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour, and the Japan Golf Tour, with a total prize purse of NZ$2 million. The event is held at Millbrook Resort across the Coronet 18 and Remarkables 18 championship courses, with The Hills hosting a secondary competition for players missing the Pro-Am cut. A two-person best-ball Pro-Am Championship runs alongside the professional event, accommodating up to 156 amateur players with handicaps below 20.

The business model is event-driven and diversified across four primary revenue streams: professional tournament revenue from entry fees, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship; amateur Pro-Am packages (inclusive and accommodation-exclusive tiers, with a 25% + GST deposit and balance due November 30, 2026); spectator ticket sales with premium hospitality via The Landing and The Landing Bistro; and a fragmented sponsorship portfolio spanning more than 20 commercial partners including Millbrook Resort (presenting partner), Manuka Doctor, Bayleys, Craigs Investment Partners, Gallagher Insurance, Rebel Sport, SBS, Adidas, Callaway, Canon, and international brands. Broadcast distribution is handled by Sky Sport (live) and Sky Open (free-to-air same-day coverage). The tournament also operates a mobile application (iOS/Android) for live scoring, tee times, and spectator information.

In 2025, the organizers established the New Zealand Open Charitable Trust (NZOCT) as the philanthropic arm of the event, with $500,000 committed over four years to charities including Cure Kids, Lakes District Air Rescue Trust, Wanaka Search and Rescue, and Queenstown Search and Rescue. The tournament has expanded its product surface with the launch of Tech Masters, the Golf New Zealand Futures Festival (youth development), and She Loves Golf (women's participation). The winner receives direct exemption to The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, and the top Kiwi finisher receives an invite to the Japan Players Championship. Notable 2026 participants included five-time PGA TOUR winner Kevin Na (post-LIV Golf debut), defending champion Ryan Peake, and Pro-Am celebrity participants Ash Barty, Kelly Slater, and Ricky Ponting.

Name

New Zealand Open

Legal name

Millbrook Tournaments Ltd

Website

https://nzopen.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1907

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The New Zealand Open is an annual professional golf tournament founded in 1907 and operated by Millbrook Tournaments Ltd at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, New Zealand. It serves professional golfers across three co-sanctioning tours, amateur Pro-Am participants, spectators, and a fragmented base of more than 20 commercial sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Golf Tournament Event

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (71132), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Golf Tours & Professional Circuits (MPAKAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Individual Sports Events (Tennis, Golf, Boxing/MMA, Athletics) (MPAGAMAC), Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)

Keywords

• Professional golf tournament
• Golf championship event
• Pro-Am competition
• Sports event management
• Tournament hospitality

Headquarters

HQ city

Otago

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Professional Tournament Revenue: The New Zealand Open operates with a NZ$2 million total prize purse for the professional event. Revenue is generated through tournament entry fees, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship agreements with multiple commercial partners.
2. Amateur Pro-Am Packages: Amateur players pay for inclusive playing packages covering six nights accommodation at Millbrook Resort, breakfast, tournament participation alongside professionals, and VIP hospitality experiences. A deposit of 25% of package price + GST is required upon entry acceptance.
3. Ticket Sales: Spectator attendance tickets are sold for the tournament, with various hospitality options including The Landing and The Landing Bistro access. Electronic tickets with unique barcodes allow single entry per day.
4. Sponsorship and Partnership: Multiple commercial partners sponsor the event including Millbrook Resort (presenting partner), Manuka Doctor, Bayleys, Craigs Investment Partners, Gallagher Insurance, Rebel Sport, SBS, and others across various categories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The New Zealand Open is an annual professional golf tournament co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour, and Japan Golf Tour, held at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown near Queenstown, New Zealand. The event features a concurrent Pro-Am Championship where amateur golfers partner with professionals, offering inclusive playing packages with accommodation and VIP hospitality. The organization sells spectator tickets, broadcast rights, and manages a portfolio of commercial sponsorships, while operating the New Zealand Open Charitable Trust and a mobile application for live scoring and event information.

Product overview

The New Zealand Open is an annual professional golf tournament held at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, New Zealand, co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour, and Japan Golf Tour. The event features a two-person Pro-Am Championship running alongside the professional competition, with amateurs playing alongside professionals across the Coronet 18 and Remarkables 18 courses. The tournament supports a charitable trust focused on regional golf development and community support. The event offers a mobile application for live scoring, tee times, and spectator information, along with online ticketing services. Additional programs include the Tech Masters, Golf New Zealand Futures Festival, and She Loves Golf initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• New Zealand Open Tournament Annual professional golf tournament featuring 156 professional players competing for the Brodie Breeze Trophy and a NZ$2 million prize purse, with co-sanctioning by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour, and Japan Golf Tour.
• Pro-Am Championship Two-person best-ball event running alongside the professional tournament where amateur players with handicaps below 20 partner with professionals for competitive rounds over multiple days.
• New Zealand Open Mobile App Official mobile application for the tournament providing live scoring, tee times, news updates, spectator information, and course maps for attendees. Available on iOS and Android.
• New Zealand Open Charitable Trust (NZOCT) Charitable arm of the tournament established in 2025 that supports regional golf development and community causes including Cure Kids, Lakes District Air Rescue Trust, and Wanaka/Queenstown Search and Rescue.
• Amateur Pro-Am Playing Packages Playing packages for amateur golfers covering six nights accommodation at Millbrook Resort, breakfast, tournament participation alongside professionals, and VIP hospitality. Includes inclusive and accommodation-excluded options.
• Spectator Ticketing General admission tickets sold online for spectator attendance, plus The Landing hospitality wrist bands providing access to premium hospitality areas including The Landing and The Landing Bistro.

Quantifiable outcome

• Winner receives direct exemption to The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Cure KidsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 March 2026Charitable beneficiary receiving 50% of Birdies for Charity funds ($11,000 in 2026). Largest funder of child health research outside government.
• Lakes District Air Rescue Trust (LDART)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 March 2026Charitable partner receiving $23,000 towards equipment for new rescue helicopter.
• Wanaka Search and RescueminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 March 2026Charitable partner receiving $15,000 towards remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) for regional search and rescue capability.
• Queenstown Search and RescueminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 March 2026Charitable partner receiving $15,000 towards funding new equipment at base.
• Japan Golf TourcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2026Co-sanctioning tour partner with especially strong contingent including 9 players ranked inside top 12 on 2025 Order of Merit.
• Millbrook ResortcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Presenting partner and exclusive tournament venue. Located in Queenstown with Coronet 18 and Remarkables 18 courses plus composite layout for finals. Millbrook Tournaments Ltd operates the tournament from the venue.
• PaR nzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Official Travel Partner of the New Zealand Open. Coordinates international golf tours, travel logistics, accommodation, and creates bespoke experiences for visitors attending the tournament.
• SealegsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Renowned for innovative amphibious boats. Their involvement celebrates New Zealand's spirit of innovation, adventure and lifestyle through Kiwi ingenuity.
• ScapegraceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Award-winning premium spirits brand known internationally for exceptional gin and whisky from Central Otago distillery. Elevates tournament hospitality with bespoke tasting experiences and curated cocktails.
• Over The Top HelicoptersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Supports the tournament with aerial experiences showcasing breathtaking Queenstown landscapes. Delivers luxury helicopter services for players, partners and guests with unique course views.
• MainfreightminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Global logistics leader playing vital behind-the-scenes role coordinating freight movements to ensure tournament infrastructure, equipment and operational elements arrive seamlessly.
• Stella MarqueesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Leading NZ provider of premium event structures and marquees. Long-term supplier providing bespoke, high-quality temporary venues including planning, site consultation and turnkey event structures.
• Manuka DoctorminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Manuka honey brand operating The Manuka Doctor Hive spectator experience at the tournament.
• BayleysminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Real estate company commercial partner supporting the New Zealand Open.
• Craigs Investment PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Birdies for Charity partner raising close to $30,000 for NZOCT and Cure Kids. Long Putt activation included.
• Gallagher InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Insurance partner and supporter of Kiwi Art Trail and tournament charitable initiatives.
• Rebel SportminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Sporting goods retailer commercial partner.
• SBSminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Commercial partner of the New Zealand Open.
• AmisfieldminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Wine producer and hospitality partner with activations and donations via GIV2 QR codes.
• AdidasminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Apparel partner for tournament merchandise.
• CallawayminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Golf equipment partner offering Get Fitted Like A Pro experience at the tournament.
• CanonminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Imaging technology partner.
• Canyon BrewingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Beverage partner with fundraising activations and donations via GIV2 QR codes.
• Coronet PeakminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Ski resort partner (part of NZ Ski) providing experiences for Pro-Am prizes.
• Sudima HotelsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Hotel partner for Pro-Am prize experiences.
• Coleridge DownsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Partner for tournament hospitality and experiences.
• HydroflaskminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Water bottle brand partner.
• Ryder CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Coffee partner for tournament hospitality.
• The HillsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Golf course partner hosting The Hills New Zealand Open Challenge for players who miss the first cut.
• Golf New ZealandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026National golf governing body partner. Supports Futures Festival and pathway programs for emerging golfers.
• DanuminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Commercial partner of the New Zealand Open.
• PoongsanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026International commercial partner from South Korea.
• CoolabahminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2026Commercial partner.
• Challenger PGA Tour of AustralasiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Co-sanctioning tour partner. Key event in the race to winning the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia's Order of Merit. Provides pathway to Asian Tour cards.
• Asian TourcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Co-sanctioning tour partner. COO David Rollo called it 'one of the favourite tournaments of the year'. Field includes top players from the Order of Merit.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: PGA TOUR event pairing professionals with celebrity amateurs in a team format; the most globally-recognized Pro-Am comparator to the NZ Open's parallel professional and amateur championships.
• Dubai Desert Classic: Long-running European Tour event with strong co-sanctioning history and high-profile international field; structurally comparable as a heritage destination tournament with similar hospitality and sponsorship economics.
• Saudi International: Asian Tour co-sanctioned event with a large prize purse and international field; comparable to the NZ Open in tour co-sanctioning structure and multi-nationality field composition.
• Australian Open (golf): Australian national open co-sanctioned with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia; closely comparable regional professional golf championship sharing the same tour partnership and amateur-Pro Am model in a neighboring market.
• Alfred Dunhill Championship: South African national open co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, featuring a celebrity-amateur format; the closest structural comparator to the NZ Open's Pro-Am model and tour co-sanctioning design.
• Maybank Championship: Asian Tour co-sanctioned professional event with a multi-million-dollar purse; directly comparable in tour co-sanctioning logic, international field mix, and emerging-market sponsorship model.

Others

• Queenstown Events (Millbrook Resort): Millbrook Resort is the NZ Open's exclusive venue and presenting partner; while not a peer tournament, it is a critical operational counterparty whose venue economics and event strategy directly affect the NZ Open's cost structure.

Broad incumbents

• The Open Championship: The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is the destination major the NZ Open grants direct exemption to; it is the upper-tier benchmark for the brand's pathway-to-majors value proposition and aspirational positioning.
• BMW PGA Championship: DP World Tour flagship professional championship held at Wentworth; a higher-tier European Tour event with similar spectator-sport, hospitality, and Pro-Am style activations but at substantially larger scale and budget.
• WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play: Elite international professional golf championship previously part of the WGC series; comparable in international field composition and prize-purse scale, but a higher-tier property within a tour-controlled ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nzopengolf
• Facebookfacebook.com/NZOpenGolf
• Instagraminstagram.com/nzopen
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzTfLdXr3qV1eO7cNl4eZPQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nzopengolf

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New Zealand Open