Lexus ready to tee off

Lexus NZ has been named as premium partner and the official mobility partner of the New Zealand Open.

The partnership will begin with the 106th Open presented by Millbrook Resort, which will be held in Queenstown from February 25-28, 2027, with the marque creating a significant presence for players, spectators and Lexus owners.

As the mobility partner of the NZ Open, Lexus will play an important role in helping move players, guests, partners and VIPs throughout the Wakatipu Basin.

The partnership comes at a landmark moment for golf in this country. In July, Ryan Fox became only the second Kiwi to win The Open Championship, while 2026 NZ Open runner-up Lucas Herbert – who earned his place in The Open at Millbrook – excelled at Royal Birkdale by finishing tied sixth, which included a record-equalling round of 62. 

The NZ Open will again form part of The Open Qualifying Series in 2027, providing a pathway to golf’s oldest major.

Tatsuya Ishikawa, pictured, chief executive officer of Lexus NZ, says the partnership reflects the brand’s commitment to supporting sport in this country and creating memorable experiences for its customers.

“The NZ Open gives us the opportunity to bring our approach to hospitality to life,” he explains. “In Japan, we call this omotenashi, anticipating what a guest might need and taking care of the details so they feel looked after from the moment they arrive. That philosophy is an important part of Lexus.”

Lexus NZ’s vice-president and chief strategic officer, Andrew Davis, adds: “There’s attention to detail in golf, from the way a course is prepared to the way a player approaches every shot and craftmanship of the club. That’s the same level of care our takumi craftspeople put into every Lexus we build.

“Queenstown makes it an even better fit. It’s a part of the country our customers love to visit, and the tournament draws people from across New Zealand and overseas. It’s a great setting to introduce more people to Lexus and to give New Zealanders an opportunity to see our latest Lexus models up close.

“We’re planning something special for the 18th hole and can’t wait to reveal more. It will be a great moment for the tournament, players and fans spectating.”

Lexus at the NZ Open

• Lexus owners’ car park: Owners of the marque’s vehicles will have access to 80 dedicated parking spaces where concierge staff will welcome them to the tournament with a Lexus x NZ Open gift.

• Lexus corner: One of the tournament’s fan zones will become the marque’s corner for the week with premium hospitality.

• Lexus fleet: This will help move players, guests and partners throughout the tournament and will be available for guests to test drive and view.

• 18th hole: Lexus will reveal more information.

• Hospitality: Lexus will host customers and guests in The Landing, overlooking the 18th tee and the Champions Lounge beside the final green.

“We’re keeping our cards close for now and look forward to sharing how Lexus will activate closer to the event,” adds Davis.

The NZ Open’s tournament chairman, John Hart, says Lexus brings the kind of partner experience the event has been working towards.

He adds: “The New Zealand Open has grown significantly over the past few years. With that comes a responsibility to deliver a world-class experience for everyone who comes to Millbrook, from the players to the thousands of fans who make the trip. 

“Lexus shares that focus on quality and on looking after people, and we know their presence on-course will add something special to the week.

“With the global spotlight on golf in New Zealand like never before, it’s exciting to welcome Lexus to the NZ Open and bring another premium experience to those attending.”

First played in 1907, the NZ Open is one of the world’s oldest national golf championships with its distinctive pro-am format seeing professionals play alongside amateur partners at Millbrook Resort. The 2026 tournament, won by New Zealander Daniel Hillier, attracted more than 32,000 fans and generated an estimated $33.9 million in economic impact for the Queenstown Lakes District.

The 106th New Zealand Open will be held at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from February 25-28. General admission is free.