Two-time PGA Tour winner Matt Jones will make his first professional tournament appearance in Auckland when the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship returns to Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club in February.
The experienced Australian has confirmed his place in the field for the second edition of the co-sanctioned event, which runs from 18-21 February 2027 and brings together leading players from the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and Japan Golf Tour.
Jones brings an impressive résumé to Auckland, highlighted by PGA Tour victories at the 2014 Houston Open and 2021 Honda Classic, along with two Australian Open titles.
“I’ve heard plenty of good things about Royal Auckland and Grange, and it will be great to finally get the chance to play there, especially in tournament conditions,” Jones said.
“It’s a great concept bringing players from Australia, New Zealand and Japan together, and after seeing how successful the first tournament was, I’m looking forward to being part of it this time around.”
The $1.2 million tournament made its debut at Royal Auckland and Grange earlier this year, producing a dramatic finish as Travis Smyth defeated fellow Australian Jack Thompson in a six-hole playoff.
PGA Tour of Australasia general manager of tournaments and global tour relationships Nick Dastey said Jones would add considerable experience to the 2027 field.
“He will bring plenty of experience to what we expect will be another strong international field, and we’re particularly excited to give New Zealand fans the opportunity to see Matt play in Auckland for the first time,” Dastey said.
The championship will also sit at the centre of a major three-week stretch of professional golf in New Zealand.
The NZ PGA Championship at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club runs from February 11-14, followed by the Japan-Australasia Championship in Auckland before the New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort from February 25-28.
With Jones now confirmed and more leading players expected to follow, Royal Auckland and Grange is set for another strong international field in 2027.
