The 2026 playing of the NZHO is presented by The Hickory Golf Emporium, the NZ Society of Hickory Golf, and is hosted by NZ golf legend Sir Bob Charles.

The venue is the Shirley Links at The Christchurch Golf Club – played over the unique 18-hole hickory layout.

FORMAT
Saturday, Jan. 31: 18 Holes Foursomes for the New Zealand Foursomes hickory championship

Sunday, Feb. 1:  18 Holes individual stroke play for the New Zealand Hickory Championship.

Presentation and dinner commencing after play at approximately 5.30 p.m.

Additional golf is available leading up to the tournament.
Wed., Jan. 28 – 18-hole outing with the Mens field.
Thur., Jan. 29 – 9-hole intro to the course, joining the local Harry Vardon Hickory Competition a the Christchurch Club.
Fri., Jan. 30 – The Anzac Flask (Australia v. NZ); the Japan Cup (Japan v. NZ); and the China Cup (China v. NZ).

Click here for an informational flyer with complete event and registration information.

The following updates were added on Thursday, October. 30.

New Zealand – 28 Jan – 1 Feb
See info below from Peter… note some important and progressive changes from last year.

China – Beijing – April 10-15
Both the hotel and golf courses have been confirmed, and they offer competitive prices, which will be very convenient for our guests. Additionally, we will arrange pickup services at Daxing Airport for our foreign visitors.  Our event will follow the format of the Australian Hickory. Specifically, April 10-11 will be the warm-up practice rounds; April 13 is scheduled for the foursomes event (consistent with the Australian event); and April 14-15 will feature the Hickory Championship (for both men and women). We will also arrange a senior competition. Details will follow shortly.

Japan – May
Japanese Masters – Information to follow.

Australia – July  5-7
Australian Champs will include the Asia Pacific Hickory Champs
Venue – Royal Queensland and Brisbane Golf Clubs – Details shortly.

New Zealand – Full Details
It was good to see a number of you at the AHO in Adelaide…
Following up for entry to the 2026 New Zealand Hickory Open.
This year promises exciting new initiatives, with a Men’s course (5118m) and a Women’s course (4670m).

Divisions for 2026:
Open Championship
Seniors (60+)
Reserves (45+)
Women’s ( NZHO Womens Champion Cup and best Nett Cup)

Event Highlights

• Wednesday 28 January – Early Bird Roll (18 holes, multiple tees). Christchurch Golf Club Men’s Competition,
• Thursday 29 January – The Harry Vardon 9-Hole Challenge in the evening. A relaxed way to sample the course and meet fellow hickory players.
• Friday 30 January – ANZAC Flask: Australia vs New Zealand (9-hole foursomes + 9-hole singles). Played alongside the Japan Cup and China Cup same format. Evening dinner function with partners welcome, featuring guest speaker Andrew Baker.
• Saturday 31 January – NZ Hickory Foursomes (18 holes, Sir Bob Charles layout), followed by prizegiving and a casual drinks & nibbles function.
• Sunday 1 February – Open Championship Singles (18 holes). Evening prizegiving, followed by the official Celebration Dinner for players and partners.

And yes—Sir Bob Charles will be playing. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet and possibly play with “the best putter in the world.”

Planning Your Trip
Affordable accommodation options are available nearby, 10 minutes to the golf course, 10 minutes to the centre of town and 20 minutes to the airport.
Book your stay at: The Bealey Quarter using the following booking code BQHickory for a Hickory Discount

The Bealey Quarter
263 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
+64 (03)5950529
Accommodation@bealeyquarter.co.nz
www.bealeyquarter.co.nz

Recommended travel: arrive Thursday morning (29 Jan) and depart Monday morning (2 Feb) if you want to just do the highlights.
Extended stays with additional foursomes at Canterbury courses can be arranged.

Next Steps
Please reply and let us know:
Whether you are happy to remain on the email list.
Whether  you are considering attending and would like local accommodation details.
Which events you’d like to enter.

NZ Players: Remember you can obtain a WHS Hickory Handicap through Dot Golf. Contact Rick Vincent at admin@christchurchgolf.co.nz  to join The Hickory Club, the official NZ Virtual Hickory Club on Dot Golf (no charge for 2026).

See the flyer link above for complete information.
To secure your entry, please contact Rick Vincent: admin@christchurchgolf.co.nz

We look forward to welcoming you to Christchurch for a very special celebration of hickory golf.