Golf · PGA Tour of Australasia · 2025-2026

Date & time

7 Mar 2026, 19:45

Round

19

Venue

Royal Auckland and Grange

Location

Auckland, New Zealand

The final round of the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship at Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club promises a dramatic conclusion to this historic co-sanctioned event. With a $1.2 million purse and a life-changing two-year exemption on the Japan Golf Tour at stake, the strategic focus for the leaders is navigating the composite course’s notoriously steep and sloping greens under maximum pressure. The Auckland wind, which typically intensifies in the afternoon, will test the trajectory control of the final groups as they battle for the maiden title. The primary narrative centers on Ryan Peake, who enters the day with a two-stroke lead and the chance to secure his second major victory in New Zealand. However, he faces a formidable challenge from a chasing pack that includes local favorite Kazuma Kobori and the consistent James Marchesani. The host club's own Nick Voke remains a significant threat, as does the young amateur sensation Ryan Xie, who proved the course can be conquered with his record-tying 64 yesterday. As the final group navigates the treacherous, water-guarded 18th hole, the ability to remain patient on the undulating greens will likely decide who wears the first-ever champion's jacket.