2023 Champion "Can't Wait" To Return To Queenstown

On the back of securing his PGA Tour Champions card for next year, 2023 New Zealand Open Champion, Brendan Jones has today confirmed he will return to Queenstown next year and is looking forward to his favourite event of the year.

The 104th New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport tees off at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown between 27 February and 2 March 2025.

A fantastic ambassador for both Queenstown and the New Zealand Open, Jones’ 2023 victory in Queenstown came after he survived the cut on the number, and then played “the two best shots of my life” to make crucial birdies on the final few holes helping him claim the title.

Speaking about the New Zealand Open Jones says he “wouldn’t miss it for anything” and is looking to add his name to the Brodie Breeze trophy once again.

“The New Zealand Open is the first event I add to my schedule every year. It’s a fabulous event and not only myself, but every one of the players can’t wait to be part of it.”

“Not only is it the best event of the year in my opinion, but the location and hospitality are something we don’t experience anywhere else in the world.”

Jones, who turns 50 on March 3, the day after the final round at the New Zealand Open next year, believes the experience and pressure from the PGA Tour Champions Q-School has helped put him in great shape, both physically and mentally for returning to Queenstown.

“The Q-School process is quite tough and really tests your all-round game. Having had a few injuries this year, it’s been great to see my fitness and mentality back up to the level I want them to be at. Hopefully, these experiences will help me push on at Millbrook.”

Jones also made note of the success that Steven Alker, who is also confirmed to be playing at the New Zealand Open in 2025, has had in recent years on the PGA Tour Champions and will be hoping to emulate his success.

“Obviously Steve has had a couple of wonderful seasons on the tour and I will definitely be having a few conversations with him in Queenstown. Maybe some of his magic will rub off on me.”

New Zealand Open Tournament Director, Michael Glading is delighted that Jones will be returning, and is also excited to see how he goes next year on tour.

“I was messaging Brendan over the weekend to congratulate him on securing his card and the first thing he said was to reassure me that he was still committed to playing in Queenstown.”

“I think Brendan will do really well on the PGA Tour Champions next year, as he has the tools in his locker to win again, as he demonstrated so well in Queenstown in recent years.”

For more information, please visit nzopen.com.

© Scoop Media