New Zealand Names Six-Player Squad for Asia-Pacific Amateur

New Zealand Squad Announced for AAC

Golf New Zealand confirmed its six-player squad for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) this year. The championship will be held at Te Arai Links in October. Zack Swanwick, Joshua Bai, Cooper Moore, Yuki Miya, Robby Turnbull, and Ryan Xie will represent New Zealand. These players will compete in the 17th edition of the tournament.

Play is scheduled for the South Course from 29 October to 1 November. Each squad member has progressed through Golf New Zealand’s Talent Development Programme. Their selection demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness. All six players have competed internationally and domestically.

Key Players and Recent Form

Joshua Bai makes his third AAC appearance. He achieved strong results during the northern summer in the United States. Bai won the North & South Amateur at Pinehurst No. 2 in July. He then reached the Round of 16 at the U.S. Amateur. Earlier, he finished tied third at the Sea Best Invitational for the University of Florida.

Zack Swanwick returns to the AAC after missing last year due to collegiate duties. The Hawke’s Bay player recorded three top-10 finishes for the Florida Gators in the 2025/26 season. This included a share of third at the Williams Cup. He closed the NCAA Championship with a six-under 66. Swanwick also represented the International side at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup.

Cooper Moore claimed his first Summerset Charles Tour title at the 2025 Mount Open. He finished runner-up at the New Zealand PGA Championship this year. The Canterbury teenager reached the U.S. Junior Amateur quarterfinals in July. He tied 17th in Dubai at last year's AAC.

Further Squad Details and Championship Stakes

Yuki Miya, another Cantabrian, had a notable 12 months. Miya won the Pegasus Classic on the Charles Tour late last year. He was the leading amateur at the 105th New Zealand Open. Miya finished runner-up at the Faldo Junior Tour Asia Grand Final. He also placed ninth at The Amateur Championship. Robby Turnbull returns after tying 19th at the 2025 AAC at Emirates Golf Club.

Turnbull completed a strong first collegiate season with Eastern Michigan University. He tied sixth at the Hal Williams Collegiate. Turnbull was named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year. He also made the All-MAC First Team. Ryan Xie completes the squad. Xie has produced several strong international results recently.

He finished runner-up at the Australian Junior Amateur in April. Xie tied fourth at the Western Junior. He reached the U.S. Junior Amateur quarterfinals. The AAC offers significant opportunities for amateur golfers. The champion receives an invitation to the 2027 Masters Tournament. They also gain an exemption into The 155th Open Championship. Runners-up earn places in Final Qualifying for The Open.

Venue and Regional Impact

This event marks the second time New Zealand has hosted the AAC. Royal Wellington Golf Club hosted the 2017 edition, which China’s Yuxin Lin won. It will be the first major international championship at Te Arai Links. The venue opened in 2022. The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, the Masters Tournament, and The R&A established the AAC in 2009.

Its purpose is to develop amateur golf across the region. It also provides a direct pathway to major championships. The tournament features 72 holes of stroke play. The leading 60 players and ties make the 36-hole cut. Past champions include Hideki Matsuyama and Cameron Smith. New Zealand has not yet won an AAC title. The country’s best finish remains third place.

Peter Spearman-Burn (2009), Ben Campbell (2011), and Luke Toomey (2016) all achieved this result. Daily public attendance at Te Arai Links will be limited due to infrastructure requirements. However, the event will broadcast in over 150 countries. Sky Sport will carry the New Zealand coverage.