One of Australia’s most credentialled players of the past 20 years, Jones has locked in his first professional appearance in Auckland where he will join players from the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, Japan Golf Tour and other international stars in the $1.2 million tournament.

The Sydneysider has played in 20 major championships, won the Australian Open in both 2015 and 2019, with his PGA Tour victories coming at the Houston Open in 2014 and Honda Classic in 2021.

“I’m really excited to be heading over to Auckland and playing in the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship,” Jones said.

“I’ve heard plenty of good things about Royal Auckland & Grange and it will be great to finally get the chance to play there, especially in tournament conditions.

“I’ve played a lot of golf around the world, but I haven’t had the opportunity to play a professional event in Auckland before, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“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 inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship – the first men’s professional tournament in Auckland in two decades - provided a spectacular finish, with Australia’s Travis Smyth emerging victorious after a six-hole playoff against Jack Thompson to become the first name on the championship trophy.

The tournament is aimed at strengthening the golfing connections between Australasia and Japan while giving thousands of fans the opportunity to watch some of the region’s best professionals compete in New Zealand’s biggest city.

PGA Tour of Australasia General Manager of Tournaments and Global Tour Relationships Nick Dastey said: “The inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship was a fantastic addition to our Tour and delivered a week of outstanding golf at Royal Auckland & Grange.

“Matt Jones is a proven winner with an outstanding record, so to have him as the first confirmed player for the 2027 championship is fantastic news.

“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.

“Following the success of the inaugural championship, we’re looking forward to welcoming players and fans back to Royal Auckland & Grange for another terrific week of golf.”

Japan Golf Tour Organization Chairman Yutaka Morohoshi said the JGTO was looking forward to returning to Auckland in 2027.

 

“Royal Auckland & Grange provided an excellent stage for the inaugural tournament, and we were very impressed by the support from the players, the fans and everyone involved in bringing the championship to New Zealand,” Dr Morohoshi said.

“The partnership between the Japan Golf Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia is very important to us, and this championship is a great example of how golf can build stronger connections across the Asia-Pacific region.

“We hope the championship can continue to grow and become an important event for both tours and for golf fans in New Zealand, Japan and across Australasia.”

Title partner ISPS HANDA has a long-standing commitment to growing the game of golf and using the sport to build connections and create opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

ISPS HANDA Chairman and Founder Dr Haruhisa Handa said: “ISPS HANDA is delighted to continue our support of the Japan-Australasia Championship as it enters its second year.

“ISPS HANDA has always been proud to utilise the power of sport, and particularly the power of golf, to transform lives and societies in a positive way.

"Our support of disability golf has been longstanding, and we are proud to continue that commitment and to help create opportunities for golfers with disability, while giving their achievements a greater voice.

“Sport has a unique ability to go beyond competition. It creates opportunities for people from different countries and cultures to meet, to share experiences and to develop a greater understanding of one another.

"We see this championship as an important opportunity to further the exchange between Japan, Australia and New Zealand, strengthen the cultural and sporting ties between our countries, and build greater understanding across the Asia-Pacific region.

“That is at the heart of what ISPS HANDA seeks to achieve through sport. We are grateful for the support we receive from the golfing community and our partners in helping us share this message, and Royal Auckland & Grange provides a wonderful platform for this exchange to take place."

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill said the championship was a valuable addition to Auckland’s major events calendar.

“Auckland Council Events is proud to support the ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship for a second year,” he said.

“Having a player of Matt Jones’ calibre confirmed for Auckland is a fantastic way to build excitement for the championship’s return. His international experience and record will add real interest for local golf fans and help put the event on the radar of audiences further afield.

“Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has a great golf story to tell. Events like this showcase our courses to an international audience, bring visitors to the region and reinforce Auckland as a destination worth discovering well beyond the fairways.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Matt, the wider field and fans back to Auckland for another memorable championship.”