2026 NZ Open | Final RD F9 | Hokom, Mertsch, Smiley, Donnecke
The 2026 New Zealand Open is underway at the Orchard Disc Golf Club in Auckland, where top players are battling it out for the title. Gothro coverage brings you live updates from the Tour Down Under, featuring expert analysis and commentary from Jennifer Smiley. The event is being contested by a strong field of female disc golfers, including Cat Merch, Sarah Hokom, and Sophia Donica, all vying for the top spot. The course proves to be challenging, with its elevation, wind, and rain creating unpredictable conditions that can greatly impact players' scores. Smiley provides insightful commentary on the strategies employed by each player, highlighting the strengths of their forehand and backhand throws. As the competition heats up, any mistake could be costly, making it a thrilling spectacle for fans of disc golf. With its unique blend of technical skill and physical challenge, this event is not to be missed.
Watch the intense final round of the 2026 NZ Open with Hokom, Mertsch, Smiley & Donnecke! Exclusive disc golf action & expert skills on display.
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Welcome back everyone to the third round of the 2026 New Zealand Open brought to you by RPM Discs. This is Gothro coverage [music] of the Tour Down Under from MVP Disc Sports. I'm Sarah Hook. I'm here with Jennifer Smiley. What's [music] up everybody? We are here out at the Orchard uh disc golf course in [music] Auckland, New Zealand. Beautiful property, lots of elevation, very windy and some rain as well. Uh but bright side is you get these [music] beautiful plums all over the property. Uh so you don't need to bring any snacks out there >> and you might win one of those trophies. >> You might. [laughter] First up, we have Cat Merch. She shot a killer round yesterday to tie uh for the lead. So, uh she's going to be one to watch out there. She got a killer forehand and backhand. Next up, we have Sarah Hokam, who's also tied for the lead, uh representing MVP, and she's just been keeping it super clean. Very fun to watch her kill this course with her sidearm game. Next up in the booth with us, Jennifer Smiley. Also playing the Frisbee really well for MVP Disc Sports. [music] She's had a really good round. She's keeping it really clean. Looking at one over par in striking range [music] of the lead along with Sophia Donica, Canadian disc offer throwing in of the discs. Also looking [music] at plus one, trying to make a run for this title. It's really anyone's game at this point. The wind and rain and elevation make big swings possible out here. >> Absolutely. [music] Hole one is a par4 680 ft. We're all trying to land around here and then throw across this OB area [music] down to the basket. And most of us are trying to land a little short because the green behind can get a little tricky. Um but yeah, basically just keep it in bounds. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the first te here at the Orient Orchard Disc Golf Club. We're at the 2026 New Zealand Disc Golf Open presented by RPM Discs. This is stock number three on the MVP disc tour under excellent lead card division to cap off the action here in the North Island leg of the tour down under. These four players are no stranger to tour under coverage....
