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Full Noise by SN
Join our Fantasy SRP leagueTwo Kiwi golf prodigies impress at Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship
David Bieleski • February 13th, 2026 10:34 pm
Wildcards Amy Tang (left) and Elise Barber pose for a photo after making the cut | Photo: Supplied
Last week, neither Elise Barber (13) nor Amy Tang (15) expected to be in the field at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP) - but this weekend, both young Kiwi golfing sensations will play on after making the cut at Royal Wellington Golf Club.
The WAAP is one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s amateur golf and is being held in New Zealand for the first time.
Since its inception, the championship has helped identify future stars of the women’s game, including current world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, who won the inaugural event in 2018.
This year’s field features 84 of the best female amateur golfers in the world, including 20 of the top 75 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
The winner earns entry into three major championships in 2026 - the Women’s Open, the Evian Championship, and the Chevron Championship - along with several other elite events, including the 123rd Women’s Amateur Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Elise Barber reads the green as father/caddy Glen Barber watches on | Photo: Supplied
Barber and Tang sat tied 26th after the first round, with both carding an even-par 72.
The second round proved far more challenging for Barber, who faced difficult and changeable conditions. Starting on the 10th tee, she made three double bogeys in her opening six holes, sliding dangerously close to the cut line.
Despite being the youngest player in the field, Barber responded with maturity well beyond her years. After watching four birdie putts from inside 10 feet narrowly miss on holes 10 through 13, she produced the shot of the day at the par-4 fifth.
“I had around 130 yards, and the wind was swirling,” Barber said. “Especially where that pin was, just near the front, I didn’t want to come short, but I also didn’t want to go long and leave myself a big putt.”
“As soon as the wind died, I was thinking between an 8-iron and a 7-iron. So, I did take a little bit off a 7-iron - and posed for the camera that was taking a photo of me.”
The shot nearly found the bottom of the cup, leaving a one-foot tap-in birdie that swung the momentum firmly back in her favour.
“It was a really impressive shot and I think that secured me for the rest of my round.”
With no further bogeys on her card, Barber played her final 12 holes in one-under-par to finish tied 43rd. Making the cut by two shots, she earned the chance to play the weekend in front of her home crowd.
All smiles, Elise Barber and her father/caddy Glen | Photo: R&A
“It’s such a great feeling, especially when I thought after the first couple of holes I had no chance,” Barber said.
“I had a pretty good comeback coming into the front nine. I was able to keep it consistent and somehow squeeze under the cut line.”
Asked what helped her rally after the tough start, Barber credited the support around her at Royal Wellington.
“I saw a few more people supporting me. That definitely made me feel good. It’s so great to be at Royal Wellington, my home club, and to see everyone come out, especially just for me.”
“Walking around, cheering me on, clapping — that really helped. That, and trying to keep my mind up. One shot at a time. Forget about the bad shots and focus on what’s ahead. I’m really impressed with how I kept my composure and finished it out there.”
Elise Barber's reaction to making the cut was caught on camera | Photo: Supplied
Looking ahead to the weekend, Barber hoped the Wellington weather would play its part.
“I've definitely seen the weather for the weekend. Hopefully, it’s going to stay not too bad. I think if I can just stay consistent, one shot at a time, and not worry too much about anyone else. Now that I know that I’m through the cut line, I think that’ll be the main key.”
Barber’s father, Glen, has been on her bag for the tournament and could not be prouder - describing the experience as "amazing".
“She’s played two very solid days of golf," he said. "There aren’t many sports where you can walk alongside your daughter, talk through the highs and lows, and experience it together.
"It’s been a great journey, and I’m super proud. Hopefully it brings out a few more locals over the last couple of days.”
Alongside Eunseo Choi, Amy Tang is currently the joint-low Kiwi after 36 holes. Following an opening even-par 72 that included two birdies and two bogeys, the 15-year-old backed it up with a one-over-par 73 to sit tied 23rd heading into the weekend.
“It feels amazing,” Tang said. “I wasn’t really expecting this. I felt confident and relaxed out there with no expectations. I just tried my best and performed pretty well.”
Like Barber, Tang only learned she would be in the field on Sunday following a late withdrawal.
“My dad got the phone call and told me. I was absolutely shook. I was so excited and knew I was going to have so much fun and learn a lot from everyone here.”
“I didn’t really have any preparation time,” she said. “When I was packing, I was just thinking about what the weather might be like and looking at the course online.”
That excitement also required a conversation at school.
“They were really nice about it and very supportive,” Tang said, after asking her principal for the week off.
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Hailing from Royal Auckland but familiar with Royal Wellington, Tang felt comfortable in rising to the challenge.
“I just tried to trust my game. It’s New Zealand, so I’m used to the climate and the grass. I played Royal Wellington two years ago, but I’ve never seen it set up like this. The course is really pure and the fairways are rolling out nicely.
“I’m really grateful to be playing in this tournament. I think I’ll learn a lot from it.”
Leading the championship is Korea’s Yunseo Yang, who followed her opening-round 64 with a five-under-par 67 to reach 13 under par. She holds a four-shot lead heading into the weekend.
Entry to the WAAP is free, with the third round teeing off at 9:35am on Saturday at Royal Wellington Golf Club using a two-tee start, with the championship round concluding on Sunday.
