The Emirates Golf Federation has entered players for the 17th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Te Arai Links in New Zealand with the squad set to face a field of 120 competitors from nearly 40 countries and regions. According to the federation the selections were made through national rankings and recent form to ensure the strongest possible representation. The tournament begins Thursday on the South Course at the coastal venue north of Auckland.
This will mark the second time the championship has been staged in New Zealand following the 2017 edition at Royal Wellington Golf Club where China’s Yuxin Lin claimed the title the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation reported. The event established in 2009 by the confederation The R&A and the Masters Tournament aims to develop amateur golf across the region. Its champion earns an invitation to the 2027 Masters Tournament along with exemptions into The Open Championship and the Amateur Championship.
Notable past winners include Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama who claimed back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 as well as Australians Cameron Smith and Min Woo Lee according to official tournament records. The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation assessment found that the event has launched careers of multiple major champions and top professionals from member nations. Five countries have secured victories with China leading at five wins followed by Australia and Japan with four each.
Te Arai Links is hosting the championship for the first time after opening in 2022 and the par-72 layout will present a demanding test with its links characteristics and exposure to variable coastal winds the confederation said. New Zealand will be represented by up to nine players including top-ranked Zachary Swanwick who has competed in previous editions. Practice rounds have already begun at the venue as teams finalise preparations.
The UAE has hosted the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship twice in recent years with editions at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in 2021 and Emirates Golf Club in 2025 according to federation history. Those stagings contributed to infrastructure growth and increased participation in the sport within the country. The current team will seek to build on prior UAE performances that have included competitive showings against the region’s leading amateurs.
Federation officials stated that the trip to New Zealand forms part of a structured development pathway for Emirati players with coaching support provided throughout the week. The championship’s stroke-play format over 72 holes will determine the winner on Sunday. Results from this edition will inform the federation’s planning for future international campaigns.