Golf: Dame Lydia Ko signs on as New Zealand Women’s Open returns
Dame Lydia Ko will headline the return of the New Zealand Women’s Open golf tournament at Wainui Golf Club in March 2027. The event, which has been on hiatus for a decade, is secured through a four-year agreement supported by local government and international golf tours.
Why it matters
The return of this major sporting event provides a boost to the local economy and highlights the continued influence of high-profile athletes in revitalizing regional sports calendars.
After a decade competing in tournaments overseas, Dame Lydia Ko is set to return to home soil.
The Olympic gold medallist, three-time major championship winner and former world No 1 will headline a 132-strong field at the Wainui Golf Club and Function Centre, near Silverdale, next March as the New Zealand Women’s Open makes its long-awaited return.
Last held in 2017 at Windross Farm Golf Club, the event, co-sanctioned by the LPGA and WPGA Tour of Australasia was won by Canadian Brooke Henderson, who cruised to a five-shot win at 17-under-par.
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