Dame Lydia Ko to headline the return of the New Zealand Women’s Open presented by Craigs Investment Partners

Originally published on Golf NZ website >

The New Zealand Women’s Open, presented by Craigs Investment Partners is back.

In one of the biggest moments for New Zealand golf in recent years, the New Zealand Women’s Open will return from 18–21 March 2027 at Wainui Golf Club, bringing international women’s golf back to New Zealand.

More than the return of a championship, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Together with New Zealand Major Events, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Craigs Investment Partners, Golf New Zealand is committed to establishing the New Zealand Women’s Open as an ongoing fixture on the sporting calendar for generations to come, inspiring more women and girls to discover the game.

Even better, Dame Lydia Ko will headline the championship.

For Lydia, it’s a homecoming. Growing up on Auckland’s North Shore and already a three-time New Zealand Women’s Open champion, she’ll compete in front of home fans at an event that has played such an important role in her incredible career.

“I’m thrilled the New Zealand Women’s Open is back,” Lydia said.

Co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the WPGA Tour of Australasia, the championship will attract a strong international field while creating opportunities for New Zealand’s leading professionals, amateurs and emerging players to compete alongside international talent on home soil.

More than a tournament

For Golf New Zealand, the New Zealand Women’s Open is about much more than four days of elite golf.

We’ve set ourselves an ambitious goal of doubling the number of women and girls playing golf in New Zealand, and creating inspiring experiences like this is how we’ll get there.

Seeing role models like Dame Lydia Ko and leading local and international players compete on home soil can be the spark that inspires a young girl to pick up a club, join a programme, or take her first steps into the game.

The championship will also create invaluable opportunities for New Zealand’s next generation of talent. Golf New Zealand has secured places in the field for leading amateurs and professionals, including the winner of the New Zealand Māori Golf Association Nationals Wāhine title, while alumni of the Lydia Ko Scholarship programme will also have the opportunity to compete on home soil.

Tournament week will extend well beyond the fairways, with Golf New Zealand delivering fan experiences and participation activities designed to inspire more women, girls and families to get involved in golf, whether they’re discovering the game for the first time or returning after time away.

Proudly presented by Craigs Investment Partners

The championship is made possible through the support of Craigs Investment Partners, Presenting Partner of the New Zealand Women’s Open.

Already a valued partner of Golf New Zealand, the New Zealand Open and She Loves Golf, Craigs Investment Partners continues to play a significant role in growing participation across the country. Their expanded support of the New Zealand Women’s Open reflects our shared commitment to creating more opportunities for women and girls to discover and enjoy the game.

Save the date

18–21 March 2027

Register your interest below to be among the first to hear about tickets, hospitality, volunteering, the Pro-Am and other ways to be part of the New Zealand Women’s Open.

www.golf.co.nz/nzwo

We can’t wait to welcome you to Wainui next March.

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