Canterbury Golf is excited to announce that, for the first time since 2017, the Canterbury Stroke Play Championship will return to a traditional four-round, 72-hole format in 2026. This significant step marks the beginning of a series of improvements designed to elevate the event into being the premier District Stroke Play Championship in New Zealand.
The 2026 championship will be hosted by the prestigious Clearwater Golf Club, launching a new three-club rotation that will see Russley Golf Club host in 2027 and Christchurch Golf Club in 2028.
The reinstatement of the 72-hole structure will make the Canterbury Stroke Play the only district-delivered amateur 72-hole tournament in the South Island, and one of just three district-delivered 72-hole amateur stroke play events in New Zealand.
Importantly, the championship will retain its World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status, along with its status as a New Zealand Golf New Zealand and Canterbury Golf Order of Merit event and New Zealand Open Final Qualifying event – ensuring plenty is on the line for competitors seeking regional, national, and amateur recognition.
To ensure the event continues to provide competitive opportunities for players across all demographics , the Stroke Play will also maintain 54-hole categories for Women, Men’s Masters, and Women’s Masters, supporting participation at every level.
At a time when many golf events are reducing their total rounds, Canterbury Golf is proud to be bucking the trend by delivering a true championship test. This format provides a much-needed opportunity for ambitious players across the region to experience an authentic, high-level, multi-round tournament – an opportunity that has become increasingly rare in the current golf landscape.
“We are thrilled to bring back the full 72-hole championship format and to do so at such a world-class venue,” said Blair Minton, General Manager at Canterbury Golf. “We look forward to welcoming the best players from Canterbury and across New Zealand to Clearwater on 31 January 2026.”
The excitement doesn’t end on the course – the winners of the Canterbury Golf Ultimate Golf Raffle will also be drawn during the championship’s prize giving, adding another highlight to an already outstanding event.
Canterbury Golf is looking forward to seeing you at Clearwater in January for a bigger, stronger, and better Canterbury Stroke Play Championship. See all the event information – HERE.
