Golf’s Hidden Gem Down Under
Introduction
The PGA Tour of Australasia is the leading professional golf tour in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, serving as a crucial pathway to the DP World Tour and other global circuits. Sanctioned by the PGA of Australia, the tour has produced world-class players and continues to shape the region’s golf landscape.
Established in 1973, the PGA Tour of Australasia has seen legends like Greg Norman, Adam Scott, and Jason Day rise through its ranks. This article explores the history, structure, qualification, notable tournaments, past champions, and the tour’s global impact.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the PGA Tour of Australasia
Origins and Evolution
The PGA Tour of Australasia emerged in 1973 as a unified circuit for professional golf in Australia and New Zealand, integrating long-established national events under a single umbrella.
Key Milestones
- 1991 – Recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), allowing players to earn world ranking points.
- 2009 – Partnership with the European Tour (now DP World Tour), giving players opportunities for global progression.
- 2021 – Introduction of a co-sanctioning agreement with the DP World Tour, enhancing global opportunities for top finishers.
Understanding the Format of the PGA Tour of Australasia
Season Structure
The tour operates from October to April, coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. It features:
- Standalone tournaments exclusive to the PGA Tour of Australasia.
- Co-sanctioned events with the DP World Tour, offering greater international exposure.
- Order of Merit ranking, determining eligibility for major global tours.
Pathway to Global Golf
The top finishers in the Order of Merit earn:
- DP World Tour membership.
- Exemptions into The Open Championship.
- Opportunities on the Korn Ferry Tour & PGA Tour Americas.
🏌️♂️ GOAT Tour Hub
Major Tournaments on the PGA Tour of Australasia
The tour features some of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in golf.
Flagship Events
- Australian Open – The premier national championship, dating back to 1904, with past winners including Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy, and Adam Scott.
- Australian PGA Championship – Established in 1929, this is one of the region’s most sought-after titles.
- New Zealand Open – A historic tournament that has played a key role in shaping Australasian golf.
- Victorian Open – A unique men’s and women’s concurrent event, a leader in golf’s modern format innovations.
- Queensland PGA Championship – A feeder event that has seen many future PGA Tour stars emerge.
These tournaments offer OWGR points and direct qualification routes to The Open Championship and DP World Tour events.
🏆 Champions of the Last Five Seasons
2023 Order of Merit Winner: David Micheluzzi (Australia)
- Major Win: NSW Open
- Key Achievement: Earned a DP World Tour card for the 2024 season.
2022 Order of Merit Winner: Jed Morgan (Australia)
- Major Win: Australian PGA Championship
- Key Achievement: Won by a record-breaking 11 strokes.
2021 Order of Merit Winner: Brad Kennedy (Australia)
- Major Win: New Zealand PGA Championship
- Key Achievement: Secured direct qualification for The Open Championship.
2020 Order of Merit Winner: Ryan Fox (New Zealand)
- Major Win: Victorian Open
- Key Achievement: Strong performances in Europe led to a DP World Tour breakthrough.
2019 Order of Merit Winner: Zach Murray (Australia)
- Major Win: WA Open
- Key Achievement: A standout season that led to international opportunities.
Golfing Icons & Their Journey Through the PGA Tour of Australasia
Several of today’s biggest names in golf launched their careers on this tour before reaching the global stage.
Notable Graduates
- Greg Norman – Dominated the Australasian circuit before becoming a world No. 1 and two-time Open Champion.
- Adam Scott – Rose through the ranks before winning The Masters (2013).
- Jason Day – Played on the tour before reaching world No. 1 and winning the PGA Championship (2015).
- Cameron Smith – Honed his skills in Australasia before winning The Open Championship (2022).
- Marc Leishman – Developed on the Australasian tour before multiple PGA Tour victories.
These players highlight the tour’s importance as a stepping stone to global success.
Traditions & The Order of Merit Trophy
Notable Traditions
- The Kirkwood Cup (Australian Open Trophy) – One of the oldest trophies in world golf.
- Gold Jacket (Australian PGA Championship) – The tour’s equivalent to the Masters’ Green Jacket.
- New Zealand Open Pounamu Trophy – A Maori greenstone trophy, symbolizing cultural heritage.
The Order of Merit
The season-long ranking determines exemptions into major global tours, making it one of the most critical achievements for an emerging golfer.
Record-Breaking Moments & Fascinating Facts
- Most Australian Open Wins: Jack Nicklaus (6 titles).
- Lowest Winning Score: Jed Morgan (-22 at the 2022 Australian PGA Championship).
- Largest Margin of Victory: 11 strokes (Jed Morgan, 2022).
- Youngest Winner: Jason Day (Won his first professional event at age 18).
- Most Order of Merit Titles: Robert Allenby (4 titles).
Why the PGA Tour of Australasia Matters in Global Golf
This tour remains a critical platform for players aiming to reach the highest levels of golf. Its contributions include:
- Developing world-class talent who go on to win major championships.
- Providing access to The Open Championship and the DP World Tour.
- Expanding golf’s reach across the Southern Hemisphere.
- Showcasing innovative tournament formats, including mixed-gender events.
With its rich history, global influence, and world-class competition, the PGA Tour of Australasia continues to be a key part of the professional golf landscape.
Final Thoughts
The PGA Tour of Australasia stands as one of the most influential regional tours, producing champions who make their mark on the global stage. With a strong pipeline of rising stars, historic events, and growing international ties, the tour is set to thrive in the coming years.
