The Tournament
The New Zealand Invitational is a Ryder Cup–style team match play tournament played on New Zealand's most elite golf courses. It is professionally hosted and designed to combine serious competition with a refined golf and travel experience.
Two teams compete across four days of match play, with every match contributing points toward the overall result. The format rewards teamwork, strategy, and consistency, while remaining accessible to golfers of varying abilities through the use of handicaps.
How the Tournament Is Played
Day 1 – Fourball Match Play
The tournament opens with Fourball match play. Players compete in pairs, each playing their own ball. The best net score on each hole counts for the team.
Day 2 – Foursomes Match Play
Pairs compete in Foursomes match play, playing one ball per team and alternating shots throughout the round. Tee shots are taken on alternate holes. This format places a premium on teamwork, communication, and strategy.
Day 3 – Captain's Choice
Team captains select the format for each match, introducing a tactical element to the competition. The day features:
- Three Fourball matches
- Three Foursomes matches
Captain's Choice often proves pivotal in shaping the momentum of the tournament.
Day 4 – Singles Match Play
The tournament concludes with head-to-head Singles matches. Each match carries equal weight, with the overall result frequently decided late in the final round.
Handicaps & Fair Competition
The New Zealand Invitational uses a net match play handicap system to ensure fair and competitive matches.
Each player competes using their course handicap, calculated for the tees in use. Handicap strokes are applied based on the difference in handicaps between opponents and are taken on the most difficult holes as indicated on the scorecard.
This approach allows golfers of different abilities to compete on equal terms while preserving the integrity and pace of play.
Scoring
Each match is worth one point, with half a point awarded to each team if a match is halved after 18 holes.
Points are accumulated across all rounds. The team with the highest total following the Singles matches is crowned the New Zealand Invitational Champion.
Team Structure
Teams are entered as groups of twelve players, allowing the Ryder Cup–style format to be played as intended and ensuring a balanced, competitive tournament throughout the week.
Tournament Management
The event is professionally managed, with a full tournament briefing prior to play and a rules official available throughout the week to ensure clarity, consistency, and a high standard of competition.
Courses
The New Zealand Invitational is played on a select group of New Zealand's most respected and visually striking golf venues, chosen for their championship quality, setting, and suitability for elite team match play.
Each venue offers multiple championship courses, allowing the tournament to be played across different layouts and ensuring variety throughout the week.
The experience is curated, limited, and designed to showcase the very best of New Zealand golf.
Te Arai Links
Set along a dramatic stretch of coastline north of Auckland, Te Arai Links is widely regarded as one of the world's great modern links venues.
The tournament is played across both championship links courses at Te Arai, providing variety in conditions, strategy, and shot requirements. Carved through rolling sand dunes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the courses offer firm, fast playing surfaces and a true links-style test that rewards creativity and composure.
The scale, setting, and purity of design make Te Arai Links an exceptional stage for Ryder Cup–style team competition.
www.tearai.com
Millbrook, Queenstown
Framed by the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, Millbrook delivers a contrasting but equally compelling championship experience.
Play at Millbrook is spread across multiple championship courses, each offering a distinct layout and character. The combination of alpine scenery, refined course design, and tournament-quality conditioning ensures variety across the competitive rounds and a memorable test of golf.
The setting provides a dramatic and refined backdrop for match play in one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.
www.millbrook.co.nz
The Experience
The New Zealand Invitational is a fully hosted tournament experience. Championship golf is complemented by curated hospitality throughout the week, including hosted dinners and premium dining aligned with the event schedule.
Accommodation, transport, and tournament operations are professionally managed, allowing players to focus entirely on competition, camaraderie, and the setting.
Further details are provided to invited teams as part of the application and confirmation process.
Apply for Invitation
The New Zealand Invitational is an invitation-only team golf tournament. Places are limited, and participation is offered to teams that align with the spirit and standard of the event.
Applications allow us to understand your group and ensure the tournament delivers a competitive, balanced, and exceptional experience for all teams involved.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. All applications are reviewed before invitations are confirmed.
Team Entry
Teams are entered as groups of twelve players, allowing the full Ryder Cup–style format to be played as intended.
If your group size differs, please note this in your application and we will advise whether pairing options are available.
What Happens Next
Once your application is submitted:
- Applications are reviewed by the tournament organisers
- Suitable teams will be contacted directly
- Full tournament details, inclusions, and next steps are provided to invited teams
There is no obligation at the application stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The New Zealand Invitational open to the public?
No. The New Zealand Invitational is an invitation-only tournament limited to approved teams. Applications are reviewed to ensure competitive balance and an exceptional experience for all participants.
What courses are played in the tournament?
The tournament is played on New Zealand's premier golf courses, including Te Arai Links and Millbrook in Queenstown. Both venues offer multiple championship courses, ensuring variety throughout the event.
What is the tournament format?
The New Zealand Invitational follows a Ryder Cup-style format with four days of team match play, including Fourball, Foursomes, Captain's Choice, and Singles matches. All competition uses handicapped match play.
How many players are on each team?
Teams consist of twelve players, allowing the full Ryder Cup-style format to be played as intended. Groups with different numbers may be paired with other teams.
Is accommodation and hospitality included?
Yes. The New Zealand Invitational is a fully hosted tournament experience. Accommodation, transport, hosted dinners, and premium dining are professionally managed throughout the event.