New Zealand Announces Squads for the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships: Espirito Santo and Eisenhower Trophy
Golf New Zealand has officially announced the athletes who will represent the country at the prestigious 2025 World Amateur Team Championships (WATC). The event will be held from October 1–11 at the renowned Tanah Merah Country Club (Tampines Course) in Singapore.
The New Zealand delegation includes three female golfers competing in the Espirito Santo Trophy (October 1–4) and three male golfers for the Eisenhower Trophy (October 8–11).
What Are the Espirito Santo and Eisenhower Trophies?
Organized by the International Golf Federation (IGF), the Espirito Santo Trophy (for women) and the Eisenhower Trophy (for men) are the premier world amateur team championships. Held biennially, they feature the best amateur players representing their nations.
Espirito Santo Trophy (Women)
* Inaugurated in 1964
* Each country fields a team of three players
* 72-hole stroke play format
Best two scores per round count toward the team total
Eisenhower Trophy (Men)
* First played in 1958
* Same 72-hole format with 3-player teams
* Considered the highest honor in men's amateur team golf
New Zealand Women's Team – Espirito Santo Trophy 2025
1. Vivian Lu
Ranked inside the Top 70 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Vivian was a standout performer for the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) team that won the Patsy Hankins Trophy. With collegiate experience at Washington and Texas, she brings poise, international pedigree, and match play grit.
2. Eunseo Choi
The 2024 New Zealand Women’s Stroke Play and Amateur Champion, Choi also won the Silicon Valley Showcase playing for Pepperdine University. She has represented NZ at past Espirito Santo and Queen Sirikit Cups, making her a seasoned competitor under pressure.
3. Emma Zheng
Part of the Golf New Zealand Academy, Zheng won the 2025 NexGen Atlantic Championship in Canada and competed at the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan. Known for her power and consistency, she’s one of the most promising young golfers in the country. More information
New Zealand Men’s Team – Eisenhower Trophy 2025
1. Robby Turnbull
A consistent performer with international experience, Turnbull led NZ to team bronze at the 2024 Nomura Cup and finished third individually. He has won the St Andrews Salver as top amateur at the New Zealand Stroke Play Championship two years in a row.
2. Zack Swanwick
Winner of the Bledisloe Cup for low amateur at the 2024 New Zealand Open, Swanwick has since flourished at the University of Florida. He secured the championship-deciding match at the SEC Championship and made the semifinals at the Western Amateur.
3. Cooper Moore
The reigning New Zealand Amateur Champion, Moore also claimed titles at the Australian Junior Boys Amateur, South Island U19, and APGC Junior Championship in Hong Kong. His packed 2025 season includes participation in the US Junior Amateur Championship.
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New Zealand’s Track Record at the WATC
Espirito Santo Trophy:
* Runner-up in 1982 and 1990Hosted in 1990 at Russley Golf Club, Christchurch
Eisenhower Trophy:
* Champions in 1992 (Vancouver) – team: Michael Campbell, Grant Moorhead, Stephen Scahill, Phil Tataurangi
* Runner-up in 1990 – hosted at Christchurch Golf Club
Official Statement
“Congratulations to all six players selected for the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships. They join a proud history of New Zealanders who have represented our country on the global amateur stage. I look forward to seeing what they can achieve this October.”
— Gregg Thorpe, High Performance Manager, Golf New Zealand
How Are Teams Selected?
New Zealand's squads are selected based on:
* WAGR rankings
* Performance in national and international tournaments
* Results in U.S. collegiate golf
* Involvement in Golf NZ’s High Performance Programme
How to Follow the 2025 World Amateur Team Championships
Venue: Tanah Merah Country Club, Singapore
Dates:
Espirito Santo Trophy: October 1–4
Eisenhower Trophy: October 8–11
Live scores and coverage:
* Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC)
