This November, the Australian PGA Championship makes its highly anticipated return to New South Wales after nearly three decades, having been successfully relocated from Queensland.
Previously hosted at Royal Queensland along the scenic Brisbane River since 2022, this year’s championship will instead take place at The Lakes Golf Club, nestled in Sydney’s inner-west.
This marks the fourth occasion that The Lakes has welcomed the tournament, with its last hosting occurring in 1987. The last time NSW hosted the championship was in 1998, where English golfer David Howell showcased his skills at the stunning New South Wales Golf Club, clinching victory by an impressive seven shots.
Min Woo Lee triumphed at the 2023 Australian PGA Championship. Getty
The Lakes Golf Club has hosted the Australian Open on seven occasions and co-hosted the 2023 tournament alongside The Australian. Renowned legends of golf, including Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, have claimed victory on its acclaimed fairways.
Royal Queensland has been designated as the host golf venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and is anticipated to undergo renovations and upgrades in the forthcoming years, necessitating the search for a new event home.
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman expressed his organisation’s excitement, stating they were “thrilled” to bring the tournament back to NSW in collaboration with the state government.
“Sydney is renowned for world-class sporting events, and we are overjoyed to return to The Lakes Golf Club,” he remarked in an official statement.
Already confirmed for the Australian Open, organisers are also keen on attracting Rory McIlroy. Graham Denholm via Getty Images
“The venue has a storied history of hosting Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia events, so we are excited for the warm reception in November,” Kirkman added.
The tournament will once again be co-sanctioned by the European PGA Tour and serve as the opening event of the 2026-2027 season, which will culminate in the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.
Organisers are optimistic that the Ryder Cup will enhance the lineup, as European players will be competing for points to secure their positions on the team.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, PGA of Australia officials have engaged in “promising” talks with agents of several top-50 players during The Masters last weekend.
Among the top contenders is Bryson DeChambeau, who has already played in Australia this year during LIV Golf’s visit to Adelaide in February.
Additionally, back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy is also a target, as he will be returning to play in the Australian Open the following weekend at Kingston Heath, pursuant to a two-year deal.
“This was the most promising Masters I’ve attended in a while, with managers approaching us about players in the top 50 worldwide,” Kirkman shared with the Herald.
“There’s an unprecedented level of interest in Australian golf right now. While we still need to navigate the economics, we are in no rush to make hasty decisions.”
The usual contingent of elite Australian talent, including Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee, and more, is also expected to participate.
NSW Sport Minister Steve Kamper remarked that securing the event is “a fantastic coup for our local golf-loving community.”
The Australian PGA Championship is scheduled to take place from November 26–29.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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