Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship heads to New Zealand in 2026

The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) will return to New Zealand in 2026, with the 17th edition set to be played at the stunning Te Arai Links South Course from October 29 to November 1.

The announcement was made jointly by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), The Masters Tournament, and The R&A, marking only the second time New Zealand will host the event. Te Arai Links, a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design opened in 2022, sits along the country’s North Island coast, about 75 minutes from Auckland. Featuring 16 ocean-view holes, the course has quickly earned recognition among the world’s top 100 layouts for its natural sand dunes and challenging links-style setup.

The AAC field annually features the top male amateurs from 43 member nations, including India, which has been a regular participant. This week, four of India’s five representatives — Anshul Mishra, Raghav Gulati, Rakshit Dahiya, and Ranveer Mitroo — made the cut at the ongoing championship in Dubai.

The 2026 champion will earn a coveted invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National and an exemption into The Open at St Andrews, with runners-up gaining access to Final Qualifying for The Open.

Mark Darbon, CEO of The R&A, said the venue represents “an exceptional test of golf in a spectacular location,” while Te Arai Links Managing Director Jim Rohrstaff added, “Hosting the AAC is an incredible honor — it shows how special this young golf destination has become.”

The championship last visited New Zealand in 2017, when it was held at Royal Wellington Golf Club.

Photo – AAC / Te Arai Links in New Zealand

Story by – Anand Krishnaswamy in Dubai