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Articles by Will Toogood
Record-breaking World Speedgolf Championship heading to Auckland
The field makes the Auckland championship the largest international speedgolf event in history and the first Speedgolf World Championship staged in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing together leading players from around the world for four days of competition. It represents another step forward for a format which combines traditional stroke play with running, requiring players to balance golf performance with speed around the course.
Tim Wilkinson powers to seven-shot victory at Tauranga Open
Wilkinson began Sunday with a two-shot advantage and ultimately pulled clear of the field, completing rounds of 63, 66, 65 and 66 for a 260 total. Defending champion Josh Geary and Kerry Mountcastle shared second at 13-under, while South Africa’s Nash de Klerk secured leading amateur honours after finishing in a tie for fourth. Despite the eventual margin of victory, Wilkinson’s final round was far from straightforward.
Geary returns home chasing more Tauranga Open history
The defending champion has made the event his own in recent years, winning each of the past three editions, including a dominant performance 12 months ago when he finished 29-under-par and 12 shots clear of the field. That victory was capped by a final-round 60 as Geary threatened golf’s elusive sub-60 barrier on a course he has known for much of his life. Now he returns looking to make it four in a row, but with his focus firmly on finding his game rather than what has come before.
Ford crowned Mount Open champion after tournament reduced to 54 holes
Ford was declared champion at 10-under following rounds of 67, 66 and 70, finishing two shots clear of Zachary May, Sean Towndrow and Mitchell Kale, who shared second at eight-under. The final round had already begun when worsening conditions brought play to a halt. Ford had continued his strong week, moving to 11-under through four holes and extending his advantage, but all Sunday scores were ultimately wiped as the tournament reverted to the completed 54-hole standings from Saturday.
Refreshed Mountcastle ready to go one better at Mount Open
The tournament marks the resumption of the Tour following its winter break, with Mountcastle carrying a commanding lead in the season-long standings after winning the Brian Green Property Group NZ Super 6s, finishing tied second at the Autex Muriwai Open and fourth at the UNLIMIT Taranaki Open. The months since have been eventful away from the domestic circuit.
Six-strong New Zealand contingent confirmed for 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
All six players are graduates or current members of Golf New Zealand’s Talent Development Programme and a testament to the strength of the pathway; each having built valuable experience internationally and domestically. The group will contest the 17th edition of the championship on the South Course from October 29 - November 1, going up against the leading men’s amateurs from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Dame Lydia Ko headlines the returning New Zealand Women’s Open at Wainui
Delivered with the support of New Zealand Major Events and Auckland Council Events, the championship will be staged at Wainui Golf Club from 18 to 21 March 2027. A welcome event on 16 March and a Pro-Am on 17 March will open the tournament week, with four days of championship golf to follow. Headlining the field is Dame Lydia Ko, the reigning Olympic champion, LPGA Hall of Fame member and three-time winner of the New Zealand Women's Open.
Ngamotu's own Dominic Barson steals the show to claim Taranaki Open
Squally wind and intermittent showers set the tone for a gripping final round, with hard rain periodically disrupting play and biting into the chill factor across Ngamotu Links as the field chased a closely-contested leaderboard throughout the day. The final group traded blows from the first hole, with Harlock and Barson tied at 6-under and Jake Meenhorst two shots back.
All Black Jordie Barrett full of praise for Taranaki Open field on Kiwi Charles Tour
Teeing off in the morning wave for the first round at New Plymouth Golf Club, Barrett was greeted by near-perfect conditions, but for a double-bogey on the difficult par-3 9th — his 18th hole of the day — would have been confident of making a professional cut. As it happened, he finished with a 4-over 76 and arrived for his afternoon second-round tee time to gusting winds and rain, with only two players in the morning wave having carded under-par rounds.
Tyler Wood completes sensational comeback to win second Charles Tour title at Muriwai Open
A blistering 8-under third round put him in contention and the Ngahinepouri Golf Club professional held off challenges from defending champion Mark Brown and overnight leader and 2025 runner-up Kerry Mountcastle to win his second Summerset Charles Tour title after the 2025 New Zealand Stroke Play Championship in stunning conditions at Muriwai Golf Links. Wood said, after a testing time form-wise, that emerging with a win at Muriwai would take some time to feel real.
Linton defends; Reid returns for seventh victory at New Zealand Speedgolf Open
With rain and wind providing as stern a challenge as fitness levels and stroke-making, the pair rose above a talented field to take the national titles after both topping the leaderboard heading into the final round. With defending men’s champion Harry Bateman off early in order to make a tee time at Wairakei for a Cisco Series Pro-Am, Reid had a target to beat, and he worked his way around the Centennial Course at a blistering pace.
Kiwi speedgolfer sets new official world record
That rang true at Waipu Golf Club as Robin Smith broke the Men’s World Record with a speedgolf score of 104.09 (64 + 40.09) – eclipsing the record of 106.14 (70 + 36.14) that stood for just six weeks set by New Zealand men’s champion Harry Bateman. The North Island Speedgolf Open was Smith’s stage and he claimed the Men's title as he shot a remarkable 8-under 64 in just 40 minutes and nine seconds, featuring a blistering 7-under 29 on the back nine, all while carrying an Achilles injury.
Kerry Mountcastle wins second NZ Super 6s title
It’s been a whirlwind summer for the Masterton professional who now resides in Palmerston North after finishing equal fifth at the NZPGA Championship and a tie for third at the New Zealand Open less than a month ago. He admitted he felt a little fatigued heading into the week, but playing in front of his home crowd gave him the extra juice he needed to get the job done. “I’ve played some awesome golf most of the season, but haven’t got across the line.
Jake Meenhorst ready for NZ Super 6s defence as Charles Tour enters new era
A new naming rights partner and more access to all the action on New Zealand’s domestic professional golf tour through highlights packages available on Sky Sport means Aotearoa’s top professionals and leading amateurs will have a bigger stage than ever to showcase their talent.
Kiwi speedgolfer Harry Bateman posts official world record
Dawley’s record had in fact nearly been broken around four minutes earlier by former Men’s World Champion, Robin Smith, in what turned out to be a history-making day for the sport at the inaugural Craigs Investment Partners Wairarapa Speedgolf Open. In the Women’s division, event organiser and New Zealand champion Amy Linton’s 253.50 score saw her lift the title.
Denzel Ieremia holds off chasing pack to claim Race to Tieke title
What looked set to be a procession after rounds of 64 and 63 threatened to turn the final day at Tieke Golf Estate into something far more competitive, with a somewhat wobbly front nine and a few raindrops ensuring the chasing pack had their say. Ieremia's victory over the invitation-only field was earned the hard way - exactly how those in the gallery at Tieke would want a season-ender to unfold.
Te Arai Links announced as 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship host venue
To be played at Te Arai Links’ South Course, the AAC will see the brightest men’s amateur golf talents from the Asia-Pacific region converge on Tomarata north of Auckland for 72 holes of stroke play competition. 2026 will mark the second occasion New Zealand has hosted the AAC, after Royal Wellington Golf Club was the venue in 2017 that saw China’s Lin Yuxin victorious for his first of two AAC titles.
Ryan Fox seeks season breakthrough at golf’s unofficial fifth major
By Will Toogood Professional golf deals in the finest of margins. One misread putt, one misplaced tee shot or one errant approach can be the difference between making a cut or bowing out of a tournament after two days – Ryan Fox is experiencing just how fine those margins can be in his sophomore season as a fulltime PGA Tour member. Of the three events the Kiwi has started on the PGA Tour this year, he has made just one cut, yet both missed cuts were by just one stroke.
Black Ferns Sevens breeze past Fiji to win seventh-successive title
By Will Toogood The Black Ferns Sevens have continued their unbeaten streak at BC Place Stadium to win the Vancouver Sevens in emphatic fashion. After heartbreak in Perth, losing the Cup final to Australia 26-28, the New Zealand side ran out 41-7 winners over Fiji to defend their Vancouver title, their seventh in succession at the event.
Fantasy pulled Dan Carter back into the game he loves
By Will Toogood After a career spent playing more than 350 matches of professional rugby, Dan Carter could be forgiven for not watching much in retirement. Nearly half of those were spent playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, with Carter’s former side making the perfect start on their mission to improve on their annus horribilis of a 2024 season with a win over the Hurricanes in round one last weekend.
NZ Rugby CEO on Ineos fallout
By Will Toogood New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Mark Robinson has spoken publicly for the first time since it was revealed that NZR is suing Ineos for an alleged breach of contract that will leave the national organisation exposed to potential multimillion-dollar losses.
Kiwi LIV golfer's clutch debut
By Will Toogood Ben Campbell proved in Saudi Arabia he isn’t on LIV Golf to just make up the numbers. Making his first start as a member of Bubba Watson’s RangeGoats, the Queenstown local took to Riyadh Golf Club with aplomb, shooting 10-under for the tournament to finish in a tie for 15th and take home $518,107 in prizemoney.
Why Warriors let young gun join NRL rivals Warriors
By Will Toogood Warriors coach Andrew Webster says the decision to let one of the Auckland-based NRL club’s brightest young talents go wasn’t one taken lightly. Forward Zyon Maiu’u, 21, has signed with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on a two-year deal effective immediately, despite being contracted with the Warriors until the end of 2026.
Where is Super Rugby Fantasy? CEO explains why game is delayed
By Will Toogood Super Rugby Pacific kicks off for 2025 on Valentine’s Day, but fans may have already fallen out of love with a highly anticipated new arrival. The November announcement of Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy, the first official fantasy product in the competition’s history, was welcomed by fans and a January launch date revealed on Super Rugby’s website.
Lydia Ko on home return and another Kiwi on the LPGA
By Will Toogood Winning early in 2024 set Dame Lydia Ko up for the most historic year of her career. Winning early in 2025 would set her well on the way to achieving the lofty goal she has set herself. The 2025 season-opening LPGA Tournament of Champions sees Ko take to her Floridian home course at Lake Nona as defending champion – the newly minted dame hopes to repeat the hot start she had last year in her quest to complete the “grand slam” of LPGA major titles.
LIV Golf & ex-PGA Tour stars to chase $2m prize purse at NZ Open
By Will Toogood The New Zealand Open’s 104th edition will feature two LIV Golf stars and one of Japan’s finest chasing a $2 million purse and the Brodie Breeze Trophy. Australian Lucas Herbert will return to Millbrook Resort as the tournament adds more names to the growing field before February 27.
Kiwi Dan Hillier earns $1.7m runner-up payday in Dubai
By Will Toogood A battle between the 17th and 223rd best golfers in the world was always going to see the odds stacked against Daniel Hillier. The Kiwi carded a one-under 71 to miss out on his second DP World Tour victory to England’s Tyrell Hatton by just one shot at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai and what would have been a $2.6 million payday.
The changes that could boost Fox’s PGA performance
By Will Toogood Ryan Fox is hoping a combination of adjustments have prepared his body and mind for his second season as a PGA Tour golfer. The 37-year-old is no longer a rookie on Tour, after securing his card for another season at the back end of what he describes as a “learning experience” 2024. He tells the Herald from the United Arab Emirates ahead of the DP Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic that an extended break back home in New Zealand has helped him reset ahead of 2025 in more ways that one.
Scott Dixon on a trying 2024 and chasing Mario Andretti's record
By Will Toogood Putting Scott Dixon’s career in context is best achieved by delving into the world of statistics. The Kiwi motorsport legend is entering his 25th IndyCar season, marking a quarter-century spent chasing championships in the United States. Six championships during that time, the first coming in 2003 and the most recent in 2020, provide a basis for quantifying the sustained success Dixon has achieved in his career.
How Warriors' Coach will replace his one-of-a-kind Skipper
By Will Toogood With 55 days remaining until the 2025 NRL season Warriors coach Andrew Webster has a job to do: replace his captain. Tohu Harris informed the club on Thursday he would be retiring from the NRL with immediate effect after surgery failed to repair a wrist injury that saw him sidelined for the second half of last season.
Kiwi golfer on earning LIV Golf team spot with Masters champion
By Will Toogood It seemed 2024 was going to be a difficult year to top for Ben Campbell, but a phone call on New Year’s Eve set him up to do just that. The 33-year-old Queenstown local will join two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and former PGA Tour players Peter Uihlein and Matthew Wolff on LIV Golf’s RangeGoats GC team for the 2025 season.
Warriors captain announces shock retirement
By Will Toogood The Warriors have been dealt a New Year’s blow ahead of the 2025 NRL season as captain Tohu Harris has called time on his NRL career. Harris has informed the club he was set for his 13th NRL campaign but cannot play on as he struggled to make his return from a wrist injury that ended his 2024 season. The 32-year-old managed 14 appearances in the 2024 season before having surgery on the wrist injury, only to have him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
What is TGL? Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's indoor golf explained
By Will Toogood Technology is changing the game of golf at an increasing rate; longer drives, lower scores and bigger prizemoney. The two biggest names in golf have a venture that aims to embrace these changes - enter TMRW Golf League (TGL) - headlined by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Originally scheduled to begin in 2024, TGL has excited golf fans for it’s technology-infused debut since Woods and McIlroy announced they would be joining forces.
Kiwi Clasico 2.0: Your guide to the second Kiwi A-League derby
By Will Toogood The Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix A-League Men’s derby rivalry will write its second chapter on Saturday in front of a sold out Go Media Stadium. The Phoenix will be hoping to even the scores after suffering their only loss of the season to Auckland in the first derby in Wellington. The second derby? What happened in the first?
European Tour winner added to Chasing The Fox field
By Will Toogood It says a lot about the state of professional golf in New Zealand that TAB Chasing the Fox can lose a top drawcard competitor and replace him with arguably a bigger pull. YouTube creator and pro golfer Luke Kwon has had to pull out of the event due to a scheduling conflict but promoters have secured Kiwi DP Tour winner Daniel Hillier to set up a showdown with Ryan Fox between two of the country’s top golfers.
Super Rugby 2025 squads revealed
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Kiwi Clasico: Your guide to the first NZ A-League derby
By Will Toogood To say the inaugural Auckland FC v Wellington Phoenix A-League Men’s derby has been highly anticipated would be like saying All Whites captain Chris Wood has an eye for goal. There can be only one first derby and both sides will be keen to begin what will hopefully be a long and storied rivalry by drawing first blood on Saturday afternoon. Why is it called the Kiwi Clasico?
Speedgolf: A beginner’s guide to the fastest sport you’ve never heard of
By Will Toogood Three things in life are certain; death, taxes and someone you know being obsessed with either running or golf. Run clubbers and Sunday hackers now dominate social media feeds across the country, but a section of society have been well ahead of the curve and combined the two into one of the fastest sports around: Speedgolf.
Why Scott Robertson chose Tuipulotu as All Blacks Captain
By Will Toogood Patrick Tuipulotu will become the All Blacks’ 82nd captain on Saturday against Japan and his coach says it’s a matter of mana. The Blues skipper was instrumental in breaking his side’s 21-year Super Rugby title drought this year and while he is undoubtedly a key cog in on-field performance for any team he suits up for, Robertson said it’s as much the respect he garners in the All Blacks environment as any aspect of his play that earned him the captain’s nod.
Chasing the Fox aims to capitalise on golf boom with broadcast deal
By Will Toogood Golf is a game for anyone, at any time. The sport has never been more popular in New Zealand with more than 140,000 full club registrations and 200,000 casual players taking to courses up and down the country. Capitalising on and growing those numbers further is the reason for the partnership between Golf New Zealand and the TAB Chasing the Fox event - with emphasis on the Flexiclub initiative that allows players to get out for a round without needing to be a full club member.
Steven Adams to join Auckland FC's ownership group
By Will Toogood As they introduce themselves to New Zealand sport, new A-Leagues club Auckland FC are yet to make a bigger announcement of their off-field endeavours than that of NBA star Steven Adams’ investment. Adams joins former All Whites Tim Brown, Noah Hickey and Winston Reid along with former All Black Ali Williams and entrepreneur Anna Mowbray as investors bringing a combination of sporting excellence and business aptitude to the club’s ownership group.
Auckland FC announce three A-League visa signings
By Will Toogood Auckland is one of the great cultural melting pot cities of the world, therefore it’s only right that its football team mirrors that. A trio of international signings were announced today ahead of Auckland FC’s inaugural season with just over a month until their first A-Leathe Men’s match.
235K fans through the gates of Go Media Stadium for Warriors record-breaking 2024 home season
By Will Toogood The New Zealand Warriors made history in 2024 by becoming the first team to sell out an entire home NRL season and in doing so saw nearly 250,000 fans walk through the gates at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart. A record-breaking total of 235,581 fans attended Warriors home matches, showing the faith is well and truly alive amongst fans despite the club’s lacklustre season.
Under fire Football Ferns coach steps down
By Will Toogood New Zealand Football has announced that Football Ferns coach Jitka Kilmkova has made the decision to stand down from her role with immediate effect after three years in the job. ”I want to thank Jitka for her time as Ford Football Ferns head coach and the major role she has played in bringing through a new generation of players.
Auckland FC co-owner explains why things will be different for new A-League club
By Will Toogood Auckland football fans will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky for Auckland FC – the third iteration of a professional club in the city after the Football Kingz and New Zealand Knights. The two previous attempts at establishing a footballing foothold in New Zealand’s largest city were undoubtedly valiant, yet short-lived and lasted just seven seasons before the Knights’ licence was eventually revoked in 2007.
Scott Robertson backs young Blindside to deliver
By Will Toogood The All Blacks have made four changes to their squad from the first test against the Springboks at Ellis Park. For the second test in Cape Town, Wallace Sititi will make his first start at blindside flanker with Ethan Blackadder out with a hamstring injury. Speaking to media following the team naming, coach Scott Robertson said he had confidence in the 21-year-old – who played No 8 for the Chiefs this season – after watching him in the team environment.
Warriors announce name of new bar
By Will Toogood The Warriors have announced the name of their new bar as they dip their toes into the hospitality space. After thousands of fans had submitted entries for a name for the space, Full Time came out as the winner following due consideration from stakeholders. “It’s a great name and we look forward to everyone having a fantastic experience at Full Time once it opens for business,” said New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
The Black Cap Ryan Fox reckons could play pro golf
By Will Toogood When a certain Black Cap decides to give the game of cricket away, there’s a potential second career in professional golf just around the corner. That’s the assessment from Ryan Fox, who after watching Mitchell Santner swing at the first two editions of the Chasing the Fox event at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, backed the cricketer to make a name in tour golf once his days in cricket are over.
Rule preventing ex-Nix star from joining Auckland rivals abolished
By Will Toogood The little-known rule preventing Auckland FC from registering their star signing is set to be removed, allowing the transfer to go through. Football Australia (FA) and the A-Leagues have announced an agreement that the rule known as the Caceres Clause will be phased out by the 2025/26 men’s season. The first part of that process will see clubs with common ownership immediately allowed to engage in loans of two players.
Mark Tele’a relishing opportunity to face Springboks at Ellis Park
By Will Toogood All Blacks versus Springboks at Ellis Park. Those seven words can only be described as the pinnacle fixture (outside of a Rugby World Cup final) between rugby’s two fiercest rivals and a match that is circled by fans, coaches and players alike when schedules are announced. For All Blacks winger Mark Tele’a, a trip to the Republic has an extra layer of importance – one where in a different world, he could have been playing at home, rather than away.
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