Five-time PGA Tour Champion hopes to get the excitement back in NZ

Kevin Na is one of the big-name attractions at this year’s event. He brings a wealth of experience, having won five US PGA Tour events during his career. 

Today, he makes his NZ Open debut at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, near Queenstown. 

The 42-year-old travelled to Aotearoa on the advice of fans who told him he must go. 

“Some of my Kiwi fans have told me what an amazing place this is, and that I need to check it out sometime in my life … they weren’t wrong, this place is amazing… the golf course is great.”

His main goal is to enjoy the experience, and he has spoken about the pressure of competition. 

“Sometimes we get caught up in performance… I want to be that kid again, when you first start playing you travel to different parts of the world. Any tournament you get into, you’re excited to tee it up.”

“Maybe when you do this for a long time, sometimes that fades away. But I know it’s still there… I’m really excited this week.”

He does not have a permanent ‘golfing home’ this year, having left LIV Golf in January, and felt this was a great place to reset. 

“It made all the sense … what a way to start your next chapter.”

“My wife is here … we’ve been adventuring out. We’re having a blast.”

Na faces stiff competition, though, not being the only big name to take part. 

Fellow 5-time PGA Tour winner, Nick Watney, is eyeing the big prize, as is 2-time PGA champ Kyle Stanley. 

Australian golfer Ryan Peake has also returned to defend his title from last year. 

The event begins around 7.50 am, and Kevin Na tees off at 8.02 am. 

The total purse for the tournament is $2 million - the winner’s share will be $360,000

Tournament information and tee times can be found here.

Image supplied by Chris Symes / Photosport