Alker's Queenstown mission
Having claimed his second season-long Charles Schwab Cup on the PGA Tour Champions last month, Steven Alker has confirmed he is returning to Queenstown once again in an attempt to claim the New Zealand Open title.
The New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport will be held at Millbrook Resort between 27 February - 2 March next year.
The objective for Alker is clear – to see his name on the Brodie Breeze trophy alongside some of the country’s greatest golfers including Sir Bob Charles, Greg Turner and Michael Campbell.
Alker won the Leading Amateur at the 1989 New Zealand Open when Greg Turner won his first title and has finished runner-up in the 2001 and 2002 events alongside Michael Campbell.
“Absolutely, the aim is to be holding the trophy come the end of the tournament next year. To win the New Zealand Open is something I have always wanted to achieve and I feel that my game is in a great place in terms of consistency and performance under pressure,” Alker says.
“There are some great names on that trophy and I would love to see my name on there too. I have watched a few other Kiwis get the chance to lift the trophy, I hope that 2025 is my turn.”
Speaking about returning to Millbrook Resort, Alker is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and having local support behind him once again.
“It’s always great to have a crowd of friends, family and supporters following me during the tournament. Locals come out in force for us Kiwis and it really does make a difference.”
New Zealand Open tournament director, Michael Glading is delighted to have Alker as part of the field next year and commends his commitment to the event.
“Having Steven play is a real delight for both us who organise the event and the spectators who come to watch the tournament. He is a great ambassador for New Zealand and for our tournament, and we love having him as part of the event,” Glading says.
“His level of performance year after year really is something to behold. Not only has he won the Charles Schwab Cup in two of the last three seasons on the PGA Tour Champions, but he was also runner-up in 2023, proving that he really is one of the very best and most consistent players on the tour.”
The 104th New Zealand Open tees off at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown between 27 February and 2 March 2025. For more information, visit nzopen.com.
