PGA TOUR winners confirmed for Japan-Australasia Championship

16 Feb 2026

Media Release:

PGA TOUR winners Kevin Na (pictured) and Nick Watney will be star attractions at the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship at Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club on March 5-8.

The American duo will add significant star power to the landmark NZ$1.2 million event co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and Japan Golf Tour in a new chapter for international professional golf.

Kevin Na will arrive in Auckland with one of the most consistent résumés in world golf over the past decade.

He’s won five times on the PGA TOUR, the latest coming at the Sony Open in Hawaii in 2021 before he joined LIV Golf, one victory on the Asian Tour, and has played in 46 major championships.

“I’m really excited to be part of the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship,” Na said.

“It’s always special to play a new event and help set the tone for what it can become.

“New Zealand has some great golf courses and I’m looking forward to experiencing Royal Auckland & Grange for the first time.”

Fellow American Watney is another five-time PGA TOUR winner and former world No. 9. He claimed one of the biggest titles of his career with victory at the 2011 World Golf Championships–Accenture Match Play Championship and was part of the winning US Presidents Cup team the same year.

“The concept of bringing together players from different tours and cultures is something I love, and Royal Auckland & Grange looks like being a fantastic venue,” Watney said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and to spending time in Auckland and as much of New Zealand as I can see on this trip.”

Both players will also compete in the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport at Millbrook Resort on February 26-March 1, giving fans the rare opportunity to see multiple PGA TOUR champions compete back-to-back on New Zealand soil.

Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia General Manager of Tournaments and Global Tour Relationships Nick Dastey said: “Nick and Kevin are proven winners on the world stage and their presence will elevate the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship for players and fans alike.”

ISPS HANDA Founder and Chairman Dr Haruhisa Handa said the players’ involvement aligned perfectly with the organisation’s vision for the tournament.

“ISPS HANDA is proud to support events that bring cultures together through sport,” Dr Handa said.

“Kevin Na and Nick Watney are outstanding ambassadors for the game, and their participation adds to the significance of this championship.”

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill said Auckland Council Events is proud to support the inaugural championship.

“Having players of Kevin Na and Nick Watney’s calibre here in Auckland really lifts the event and shows the kind of world-class sport our region can attract. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Auckland to international audiences and golf fans alike and we look forward to welcoming them.”