Queenstown, New Zealand, March 3: Australian rookie Zach Murray signaled his arrival on the biggest stage when he became the third fastest Qualifying School graduate to win on the Asian Tour after closing with a four-under-par 68 to become the newest champion of the New Zealand Open on Sunday.

It was a wire-to-wire victory for the 21-year-old and his breakthrough was made even sweeter as it was his first professional win, achieved in what was only his third start on the Asian Tour at the NZ$1,250,000 (Approx. US$850,000) event.

Murray saw his five-shot lead after the second round reduced to just one after the third round. But the Australian responded on the day that mattered most with a sublime performance that saw him lift the New Zealand Open trophy by two shots over closest challengers Josh Geary of New Zealand and compatriot Ashley Hall at The Hills.

Murray birdied the second before reeling off seven successive pars to turn in 35. He added another birdie on the 10 but would give it back on the next following a bogey. The young talent however soared with an eagle-birdie-birdie run from 13 to pull clear of Geary and Hall.

Murray, who held a three-shot lead coming down the 72nd hole, had to hit his third shot from behind the television tower but a two-putt bogey was good enough to ensure his triumph at the storied event, that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the ISPS PGA Tour of Australasia.

Merit leader Jazz Janewattananond enjoyed another solid result on the Asian Tour by signing off with a bogey-free 66 to finish in fourth place. The Thai has never finished outside the top-10 since he lifted his third Asian Tour title at the season-opening event in Singapore in January.

A total of 152 professionals and 152 amateurs took part in the event where the first two rounds were alternated between the par-71 course at Millbrook Resort and the par-72 course at The Hills. The 62 players, who made the halfway cut on Friday, competed in the final two rounds at The Hills.

Did you know?

• Zach Murray of Australia is the third fastest rookie to win after Kane Webber (2006 Macao Open) and Todd Sinnott (2017 Leopalace Myanmar Open), who both won on their second starts on Tour.
• Murray will take home a winner’s cheque of AUD$211,724 (approx. US$149,964) and receive a total of 15 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
• Murray secured his 2019 Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School last December after finishing fourth in the 90-hole event.
• Murray won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer in October 2018. One month later, he made his professional debut at the Australian Open.
• Murray was ranked as high as 19th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
• Murray marked his lowest round yet as a professional with his opening 63 at Millbrook Resort. He was in a three-way tie for lead after 18 holes but a second round 65 at The Hills saw him move five shots clear of the field in what is his debut appearance in the long-running event. He would follow up with a third-round 70 to retain a one-shot lead heading into the final round.
• Murray is playing in only his third start on the Asian Tour this season.
• Murray hails from Victoria, Australia. He is in Queenstown this week for the first time.
• Ashley Hall is a three-time winner on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia in 2007, 2009 and 2016.
• The 35-year-old Hall played on the Asian Tour in 2007 and 2008. He also played on the Web.com Tour from 2013 to 2015, where he came in runner-up twice.
• In 2018, he regained his Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School but played only two events that season.
• After firing five straight birdies in his closing six holes in the third round, Hall continued his hot bogey-free streak before dropping a shot on his 72nd hole.
• Josh Geary, 34, is a one-time winner on the Canadian Tour. He won the Saskatchewan Open at Dakota Dunes Resort and Casino in Saskatoon in 2008.
• Prior to turning professional in 2007, Geary enjoyed an illustrious amateur career where he represented New Zealand in the bi-annual World Amateur team event – Eisenhower Trophy in 2004 and 2006.
• Geary has recorded five professional victories, including three in 2015.
• Jazz Janewattananond closed with a stunning bogey-free 64, highlighted by four birdies and two eagles on 13 and 17. He had dropped only one shot in his last 36 holes at The Hills. He made a total of three eagles this week, including an eagle-three on the first hole at The Hills in the opening round.
• Jazz leads the latest Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings and is playing in his first New Zealand Open this week.
• Jazz broke into the world’s top-100 for the first time in his career after claiming his third Asian Tour title at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open last month. That victory also earned him a coveted spot in The Open, where he made his Major debut last year.

Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Australia’s rising star Zach Murray saw his overnight five-shot lead reduced to one after he battled to a third-round two-under-par 70 on a low-scoring Saturday at the 100th New Zealand Open.

The 21-year-old rookie let slip of his overnight lead after stumbling with a third bogey of the day on 10. However, he gained a shot on 13 to get to even-par for the day and surmounted a late challenge by rallying back with two closing birdies on 17 and 18.

Murray’s solid drive down the middle of the fairway on the last would set up his 15-foot birdie and helped him regain his place atop the leaderboard with a three-day total of 17-under-par 198 at the NZ$1,250,000 (approx. US$850,000) event.

New Zealander Josh Geary raised the local cheers after matching the day’s lowest round of a 63 to move into second place on his own at the storied event, that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

Kodai Ichihara made his move by firing five birdies in his opening six holes but slipped back with a bogey on 12 and a double-bogey on 13. The amiable Japanese recovered brilliantly with three birdies on holes 14, 16 and 17 to settle for a 67 and a share of third place with his 201 total.

Thailand’s Poom Saksansin and Jazz Janewattananond, who leads the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, returned with respective rounds of 66 and 69 to head into the final round seven shots behind Murray in tied-12th position at The Hills.

A total of 152 professionals and 152 amateurs took part in the event where the first two rounds were alternated between the par-71 course at Millbrook Resort and the par-72 course at The Hills. The 62 players, who made the halfway cut on Friday, will compete in the final two rounds at The Hills.

Did you know?

• Zach Murray of Australia secured his 2019 Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School last December after finishing fourth in the 90-hole event.
• Murray won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer in October 2018. One month later, he made his professional debut at the Australian Open.
• Murray was ranked as high as 19th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
• Murray marked his lowest round yet as a professional with his opening 63 at Millbrook Resort. He was in a three-way tie for lead after 18 holes but a second round 65 at The Hills saw him move five shots clear of the field in what is his debut appearance in the long-running event.
• Murray is playing in only his third start on the Asian Tour this season.
• Murray hails from Victoria, Australia. He is in Queenstown this week for the first time.
• Josh Geary, 34, is a one-time winner on the Canadian Tour. He won the Saskatchewan Open at Dakota Dunes Resort and Casino in Saskatoon in 2008.
• Prior to turning professional in 2007, Geary enjoyed an illustrious amateur career where he represented New Zealand in the bi-annual World Amateur team event – Eisenhower Trophy in 2004 and 2006.
• Geary has recorded five professional victories, including three in 2015. He is attempting to win his National Open for the first time.
• The last New Zealander to win the New Zealand Open was Michael Hendry in 2017.
• Kodai Ichihara of Japan is the only player using a long putter this week.
• The 36-year-old Japanese has won the Japan Golf Tour Qualifying School on eight occasions.
• Ichihara claimed his first win on the Japan Golf Tour in June last year and went on to claim his second title in November.
• The amiable Ichihara enjoyed his best season on the Asian Tour in 2009, where he capped five top-10 finishes and missed only two cuts in 15 tournaments. He returned to the 2019 Asian Tour Qualifying School in December but agonizingly missed out on his card by just one shot.
• Jazz Janewattananond, who leads the latest Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, is making his debut appearance at the storied New Zealand Open this week.
• The rising star from Thailand is eyeing a good showing to boost his rankings on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), where he sits in a current 78th place. He needs to break into top-64 by March 18 to qualify for the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
• Jazz broke into the world’s top-100 for the first time in his career after claiming his third Asian Tour title at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open last month. That victory also earned him a coveted spot in The Open, where he made his Major debut last year.

Photo credit: Photosport NZ

Queenstown, New Zealand, March 3: Read what players have to say following the final round of the 100th New Zealand Open on Sunday.

Zach Murray (Aus) – Final round 68 (-4), Total 266 (-21)

Starting my career like this is so huge and to win the 100th New Zealand Open – I don’t really think words can describe that. I’ve etched my name in history a little bit, which is really good and I’ll come back and support this tournament as long as I’m a professional.

Growing up in the country, being loyal to the people when you first started, I’m looking forward to playing this tournament for the rest of my life. I was speaking to (Sir Bob) just before and I’d never met him before, he’s an amazing man and I reckon if I could have a 10th of the career that he had I’ll die a happy man, I reckon.

I just holed some nice putts and that has been the key for me all week. This win will get me into the upcoming Maybank Championship in Malaysia. I can’t wait for that. It’s going to be fantastic. I was trying to get an invite there but now I don’t have to.

I am super happy to be able to head out there and I look forward to playing full time in Asia. This victory means a lot to me. Any professionals who just started out would want to play. I am loving the game at the moment and I just want to keep playing well and capitalize on this win.

I really like Asia. It’s pretty close to home, just one flight away. Not jet-lags, it’s nice. My family and friends can come out and support if I do well. I have friends who played in Asia before telling me that the people are nice and supportive in Asia so I am looking forward to it.

Ashley Hall (Aus)– Final round 65 (-7), Total 268 (-19)

I wanted to get off to a quick start and I did, I found some magic with the putter. I almost felt like I couldn’t miss for a little while. I’m a bit disappointed with the finish, just a bit jittery. I haven’t played much lately and haven’t been in the hunt for a while.

Josh Geary (Nzl) – Final round 68 (-3), Total 268 (-19)

When I hit it close on 13 and got the eagle I thought ‘maybe’, but he responded really well. We lost the tee shot left on 15 but got a drop and made birdie and started to feel it could happen. It was not really gone because 16, 17 and 18 are holes that can trip you up.

It is my first event for three months and it came with a lot of changes to the swing over the last six months. Overall, I am really happy with the week. It was a shame I lost a bit of momentum today. I hit a good shot into 5 which hit the flag and missed the green and that started a five hole stretch of some weird stuff. I bounced back from that but it was too little too late.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Final round 64 (-8), Total 269 (-18)

My caddy Jacob was just telling me that the two eagles on the back nine reminded him of my back nine at the Indonesian Masters last year. I had two eagles to finish second there. I am pleased with the way I played.

I started off really good today but kind of struggled during the middle of the round. But got it back after that. I got it back earlier than I did yesterday though so that helps. I wasn’t thinking much out there to be honest. I saw the leaderboard and thought I am too far away from the lead.

I just try my best to play well, hoping to boost my world rankings with a good result. I have been playing well since I started working with my new coach Pete Cowen. This week’s a good build-up for Maybank Championship as well so I am looking forward to that.

I think I will need another good result there to have a chance to qualify for the Majors and World Golf Championships. The week’s been lovely. I am going to do some sight seeing before going home tomorrow. Maybe do some activities but no bungee jump for sure!

I’m taking the next week off. I haven’t been home for a few weeks so I hope to get some good rest and spend time with my family back home.

It’s still early in the season. I wasn’t thinking about it earlier but now, I think I might have a chance. It all depends on how I do at the Maybank Championship later this month. If I finish well there, I should be in a better position to chase for the Order of Merit title.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) – Final round 66 (-6), Total 276 (-11)

It was just a really solid round. I hit it good off the tees and I putted well as well. Nice to stay bogey-free but I did miss a few birdies out there. Couldn’t have been really low but I am not going to complain about that.

This week’s been amazing, the place, the tournament and all. Playing with the amateurs as well, it’s just such a relaxed atmosphere out here. I definitely will be back here again. I haven’t done any sight-seeing yet actually.

I have two more days here so I am going to check out the place before going to Christchurch on Tuesday. It’s supposed to be a beautiful drive there so I am looking forward to it. My dad is here with me.

After this, we will be home for about 10 days and then off to Malaysia for the Maybank Championship. I would like to win again for sure. That’s always been my goal.

Photo credit: photosportNZ

Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Read what players have to say following the penultimate round of the New Zealand Open on Saturday.

Zach Murray (Aus) – Third round 70 (-2), Total 198 (-17)

I gave Leuk the Duck a wee kiss on the last – it’s the Jarrod Lyle leukaemia duck – just for a wee bit of good luck. My caddy makes me kiss it every now and again, so a bit of humour.

That’s what you live for in golf, to hole those putts on the last. It gave me a few goosebumps. I wasn’t playing bad earlier on, I just wasn’t capitalising on my good shots.

Josh (Geary) will obviously have a few followers about and it will be really nice to play in front of his home crowd.

I’m thoroughly enjoying New Zealand at the moment, I think the crowds have been fantastic this week and super supportive of me.

Josh Geary (Nzl) – Third round 63 (-9), Total 199 (-16)

I didn’t do a lot different today. I hit a lot of good approach shots, a lot of close ones and gave myself some birdie putts. The short irons were definitely dialed in early on. With Zach being five shots ahead, you had to do something pretty special if he kept going the way he was. The field has caught up a bit which has given a few more players a chance.

The conditions were unbelievable, just perfect. The greens were running really, really fast but true. There were some good flags too so if you were in the wrong side it was tough but thankfully, I was in the right spots most of the day and made a good score.

I hadn’t driven the ball well today and my caddy said three-wood leaves a pretty short pitch but I said I did not mind giving it a go because the bunker shot was not too treacherous.  I made a good swing and it went exactly where I wanted it to go, six-feet right of the hole and just rolled it in. It was one of the ones you draw up and it was perfect.

We waited for half an hour for the tee shot on 17 and so to step up all of a sudden and make a good swing is difficult and I had gone cold. The second shot across the rock is quite tricky and I pulled it slightly into the other bunker but still had a chance of birdie but didn’t quite make it.

If it is like this again tomorrow there will be a lot of low scoring so you can’t be too defensive; make some more birdies and hopefully it is enough to go across the line.

It would mean the world being from New Zealand to win your home Open. Only a select few have done that and some pretty good Names at that. This is the event we grew up watching as kids. Even at the age of 13 or 14 I dreamed of playing in the Open so to win it would be unbelievable for sure.

Kodai Ichihara (Jpn) – Third round 67 (-5), Total 201 (-14)

I got off to a very good start today. Things got a little shaky after making the turn but I am glad that I could still make birdies after 13th hole, so it was a good day for me. The birdie on 14th was very important for me. I think I still have a chance to win tomorrow so I’ll never give up. And also I would like to have fun with my amateur partner if I can play with him tomorrow.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Third round 66 (-6), Total 205 (-10)

I thought it was going to be a hot round after starting with three birdies in my opening four holes. I was hoping to keep blasting birdies out there but I missed a couple of short putts. The hot form picked up again only on my last five holes.

I missed like five putts in-a-row, like makeable putts which didn’t go in, some lip-outs, some hit the hole, etc. I am just lucky I gained it back in time to put myself in a good position. If I hadn’t recovered with those birdies at the end, I wouldn’t have chance for top-10.

Now I can try for a good finish tomorrow. Nothing much different for me today. I will see if I can continue to put up a low round tomorrow. I am planning to do some sight-seeing before I go home on Monday. I am enjoying myself out there. I really like it here and I would love to come back here next year.

Photo credit: Photosport NZ

A total of three hole-in-ones were recorded on an eventful day at the New Zealand Open. Poom and Damien Jordan of Australia holed out on the second hole at Millbrook Resort while Natipong Srithong of Thailand aced the 16th hole at The Hills.

• Zach Murray of Australia secured his 2019 Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School last December after finishing fourth in the 90-hole event.
• Murray won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer in October 2018. One month later, he made his professional debut at the Australian Open.
• Murray was ranked as high as 19th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
• Murray marked his lowest round yet as a professional with his opening 63 in what was only his third start on the Asian Tour.
• Murray hails from Victoria, Australia. He is in Queenstown this week for the first time.
• Ryuko Tokimatsu is the highest-ranked Japanese in the field this week. He sits in 127th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
• The 25-year-old Tokimatsu is a one-time winner on both the Japan Golf Tour and the Japan Challenge Tour.
• Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand enjoyed a tied-29th place finish in his New Zealand Open debut last year. He holds a total of six victories on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), where he was crowned the Order of Merit champion in 2014.
• The 29-year-old Thai claimed his Asian Tour breakthrough at the Macao Open in 2016.
• Poom Saksansin of Thailand made his first career ace on the second hole at Millbrook Resort with a nine-iron from 139 metres. His ace would be the third and last hole-in-one recorded during the second round of the New Zealand Open.
• Australian Damien Jordan had holed out on the same hole with his pitching wedge while Poom’s countryman, Natipong Srithong, also recorded his first career ace on the 16th hole at The Hills with a seven-iron from 174 metres.

Ends.

Photo credit: PhotosportNZ

Queenstown, New Zealand, March 1: Read what players have to say following the second round of the New Zealand Open on Friday.

Zach Murray (Aus) – Second round 65 (-7) – The Hills, Total 128 (-15)

Probably today was even better than yesterday with more pressure because I was leading and I was pretty nervous on the first tee. Obviously I got off to a good start with eagle-birdie which settled the nerves and helped a lot.

I holed some six-seven footers for pars early on and calmed down. Iplayed very solid until the last tee shot on 18 which I misjudged. I thought I would lay up from 80m and tried to get up and down which I did.

I did not feel too much pressure. I slept like a baby last night. It was more from those natural nerves from leading a tournament.

I like The Hills. I feel it suits me off the tee a little better than Millbrook. I am reading the greens well this week sand rolling the putts nicely.

The key today was set up by the start to be four-under after six. I just had to play smart golf from there and keep giving myself chances on the back-nine.

You can dare to dream about (winning this event) but it does not help the cause too much. Obviously you know what is at the end of the four days but I am playing well. There are going to be times where I am in a little bit of trouble – like on the last – with a four or five shot lead I just did not have to do anything silly. I think that is a nice way to play golf without too much pressure and playing free golf.

Ryuko Tokimatsu (Jpn) – Second round 69 (-2) – Millbrook Resort, Total 133 (-10)

I was able to make some putts today. I kept the momentum going as well. I thought my shots were better too. This is my second time playing in the New Zealand Open. I told myself I need to come here if I have the opportunity because I don’t have much chance to play in the world.

The courses here in New Zealand are very different from Japan. But I love playing here and the courses suit my eyes. I will do my best again tomorrow and see how it goes.

Brad Kennedy (Aus) – Second round 63 (-8) – Millbrook Resort, Total 134 (-9)

It was a combination of doing what I needed to do but also being rewarded for hitting good shots. I putted brilliantly today, I putted poorly yesterday so was able to turn that around after giving myself a talking to last night.

I said it wasn’t good enough and if I wanted to get myself into contention I had to play better and I managed to do that today.

Dimitrios Papadatos (Aus) – Second round 66 (-5) – Millbrook Resort, Total 134 (-9)

I was in doubt about turning up yesterday morning so very happy to be out here. I have a niggling wrist injury – probably caused by too many one-hand push-ups. It flared up over the last four or five days. I had to stop after two holes in the practice round on Wednesday so it was not looking very good.

I feel it more when I’m going through the motions in my swing. This morning, it was a little bit sore in the cold but pretty good once the weather warmed up and when the birdies started rocking up.

I got some dry needle treatment and taking anti-inflammatories which help – and I will get some more treatment today and hopefully it will hold out for the next two days.

I hit it pretty solid both days and I was very consistent with a lot of greens and I stuck to the game plan.

I thought I would not play when I was at the Champions Dinner on Wednesday night and I was seeing all the names and all the history behind it – then there is a bit more on the line this week so winning for a second time would be pretty special.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha) – Second round 68 (-3) – Millbrook Resort, Total 136 (-7)

It was really cold this morning and I couldn’t really feel anything. I had a rough start too. I was two-over after eight holes. The birdie on ninth hole was the turning point for me today. I couldn’t make any putts before that.

I almost holed my second shot on the ninth. I hit it from about 115 yards to about two feet. I would think that was my best birdie today. It gave me a lot of confidence heading tothe back nine where I played well too. Things got better on the back-nine after the sun came out.

I played well here last year. I feel confident coming back here. I like the pro-am format too. Keeps me relaxed. The goal this year is to win again. It has been three years. I think if I can continue to play well over the next two days and get lucky, I can do it.

I will try to stay calm, relaxed and don’t try to approach on the right side of the pins so that I can give myself easy birdie chances. The Hills is not that hard. It suits my eyes better. I like The Hills more.

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – Second round 68 (-3) – Millbrook Resort, Total 136 (-7)

I played alright today. I thought I was very lucky. I am very happy to make my first hole-in-one in a professional tournament. I actually like both courses but now that I made my first ace at the Millbrook Resort, I like Millbrook more.

I didn’t play as well as I did yesterday but overall, it was still alright. I made a long putt for par on the 14th hole and chipped in on my last hole ninth for birdie which was nice.

Queenstown, New Zealand, February 28: Asian Tour rookie Zach Murray got off to a flying start after signing for a flawless eight-under-par 63 at the Millbrook Resort to grab a share of the opening round lead at the 100th New Zealand Open on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Australian, who came through the 2019 Asian Tour Qualifying School in December, fired eight birdies to sit atop the leaderboard alongside Japan’s Ryuko Tokimatsu and Harry Bateman of New Zealand, who finished strongly to sign for matching 64s at The Hills.

Kodai Ichihara of Japan, a two-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, reeled in five consecutive birdies in his closing six holes at The Hills to trail the leading trio by two shots in outright fourth place at the NZ$1,250,000 (approx. US$850,000) event.

After turning in 37 at The Hills, Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat made his move by sinking six birdies in his back-nine to sign for a 67 and grab a share of fifth place at the prestigious event that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, who leads the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, carded a 69 at The Hills to tie in 25th place while defending champion Daniel Nisbet of Australia signed for a 70 at Millbrook Resort for tied-59th place.

There are a total of 152 professionals and 152 amateurs taking part in the event. The first two rounds will alternate between the par-71 course at Millbrook Resort and the par-72 course at The Hills.

A cut will be made after 36 holes and the top 60 players plus ties will go on to compete in the final two rounds at The Hills.

Ends.

Did you know?

• Zach Murray of Australia secured his 2019 Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School last December after finishing fourth in the 90-hole event.
• Murray won the Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open (an event on the PGA Tour of Australasia) as an amateur golfer in October 2018. One month later, he made his professional debut at the Australian Open.
• Murray was ranked as high as 19th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
• Murray marked his lowest round yet as a professional with his opening 63 in what was only his third start on the Asian Tour.
• Murray dedicated his good round to his father Craig, who turns 54 today.
• Murray hails from Victoria, Australia. He is in Queenstown this week for the first time.
• Ryuko Tokimatsu is the highest-ranked Japanese in the field this week. He sits in 127th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
• The 25-year-old Tokimatsu is a one-time winner on both the Japan Golf Tour and the Japan Challenge Tour. He had closed with two straight birdies to grab a share of lead.
• Harry Bateman teed off from the first hole at The Hills in the last group today. Despite opening his round with two bogeys, Bateman bounced back brilliantly with five birdies to turn in 33. He dropped another shot on the 10th but would recover strongly with three straight birdies and an eagle-birdie finish.
• Kodai Ichihara, 36, claimed his first win on the Japan Golf Tour in June last year. He went on to win his second title in Japan last November.
• Ichihara enjoyed his best season on the Asian Tour in 2009, where he capped five top-10 finishes and missed only two cuts in 15 tournaments.
• Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand won his National Open for his second Asian Tour title last year. He has enjoyed solid results in his last three starts on Tour, finishing third at the 2018 BNI Indonesian Masters, tied-ninth at the 2019 SMBC Singapore Open and tie-15th at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth two weeks ago.
• The 26-year-old Panuphol, who goes by the nickname ‘Coconut’, sits in 193rd place on the latest Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
• Known as one of the better ball-strikers on the Asian Tour, Panuphol is hoping to improve on his tied-55th place finish in what was his debut appearance last year.

Queenstown, New Zealand, February 22: American Berry Henson hopes to be in contention again at the 100th New Zealand Open which will tee off at The Hills and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from February 28 to March 3 next week.

Henson, who enjoyed a tied-11th place finish in his debut appearance last year, is relishing his return to one of his favourite destinations as he prepares to launch another title bid at the centennial event.

He will be part of the Asian Tour challenge that also features Thailand’s Poom Saksansin and Jazz Janewattananond, who sits atop the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, as well as India’s Shiv Kapur and Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines.

Defending champion Daniel Nisbet of Australia, Korea’s K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang, the first Asian to win a Major championship, are also set to headline the NZ$1,250,000 (approx. US$850,000) event that is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

“I enjoyed my first trip to New Zealand so much last year that I came a week earlier this year. It’s such an amazing place with stunning views, great people and amazing food. The sceneries are perfect and it’s one of my top-five places to go in the world.

“I am staying with my host family again from last year. The Adkins took great care of me last year and I have already settled in with them the week before the tournament and enjoying all that New Zealand has to offer,” said the 39-year-old Henson.

The long-running event, which is featuring on the Asian Tour schedule for the second straight season, incorporates a unique Pro-Am format which brings together a prestigious blend of professional and amateur golfers, including Black Cap cricket legend Stephen Fleming.

“The courses are fun to play, especially with the Pro-Am format. You got to make lots of birdies but the courses are in perfect shape to score. My game feels good. I am gunning to peak for the upcoming Maybank Championship. Next week will be a good preparation for me,” he added.

Henson made a strong comeback last year after recovering from a career-threatening wrist injury. He capped a total of five top-10 results to finish in 11th place on the final Habitat for Humanity Standings with a season’s haul of US$290,864.

He got his 2019 season off to a commendable start after notching a tied-12 place finish at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open before following it up with a tied-25th place result at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth last week.

Other prominent players set to headline the Kiwi showpiece are Kodai Ichihara of Japan, Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat and Major champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand, who will make his career comeback at the prestigious event following three years of retirement.

Founded in 1907, the tournament is one of New Zealand’s leading sporting events with a long and prestigious history. It will be played for the 100th time in 2019.