Eight major winners are among the 90 LPGA players confirmed to contest the NZ Women's Open

Two major winners have been added to a star-studded field for the NZ Women's Open.

Michael Hendry won a three-way playoff to capture the New Zealand Open.

John Hart talking about the the NZ Open tournament.

Kiwi Steven Alker shares third place heading into tomorrow's final round of the New Zealand Open.

Australian Steve Jones has returned to golf after a nine-month break to claim the lead on the opening day of the New Zealand Open in Queenstown.

World No. 1 Lydia Ko has confirmed she will defend her New Zealand women's open Championship in Christchurch next February.

The 23-year-old rookie clinched a one shot victory over Victorian David Bransdon, with a stunning shot into the final hole in perfect conditions at The Hills. Needing a birdie at 18 to avoid a playoff, Zunic hit a superb approach shot to just two feet, calmly tapping in the putt to finish at 21-under 266. That was enough to relegate Bransdon to outright second at 20-under the card, a bogey at the last proving costly while fellow Victorian Kristopher Mueck was third at 18-under the card.

Jordan Zunic provided a huge gallery with a heart-warming story under the scorching sun yesterday when he claimed a stunning breakthrough win with tears in his eyes.

It was one-way traffic at The Hills and Millbrook yesterday as the Australians firmed their grip on the New Zealand Open trophy.

David Bransdon has held steady at the BMW New Zealand Open and continues to lead after the second round played cross The Hills and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown. West Australian Matt Jager fired the round of the day. A 9-under 63 at The Hills has him tied second with Aaron Pike on 10-under the card. Rounding out the top-5 on the leaderboard at 10-under the card is Won Joon Lee, who co-led overnight with Bransdon. Tied with him are Jordan Zunic and Anthony Houston who had second rounds at The Hills of 6-under 66 and 5-under 67 respectively.

David Bransdon and Won Joon Lee have different stories to tell but are part of a very familiar theme at the $1 million New Zealand Open: the Australians want the title. Victorian journeyman Bransdon and Korean-born New South Welshman Lee each fired sparkling 9-under-par 63s yesterday to lead the Open by two shots after the first round.

Kristopher Mueck has fired a course record at Remuera Golf Club to lead the Holden NZ PGA Championship. Playing in the second group out on course in the morning field Mueck took advantage of the conditions to fire an 8-under 64. “The last seven holes I managed to make a few birdies and sneak an eagle in there so it was nice to finish in that fashion,” said Mueck, who is doubtful his course record will stand for long.