What Is 1991 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 1991 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 20th season of the premier professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand, serving as the main competitive platform for Southern Hemisphere golfers. Organized by the PGA of Australia, the tour attracted top regional talent and international players seeking ranking points and prize money.

This season was particularly notable for the dominance of Greg Norman, who returned to form after years on the PGA Tour and captured the Order of Merit title. The tour featured a mix of traditional events and new additions, reinforcing its role in developing golf talent in the region.

• 24 official events were held during the 1991 season, spanning from October 1990 to April 1991 to align with the Southern Hemisphere summer.
• Greg Norman won the Order of Merit with A$217,857 in earnings, outpacing competitors like Craig Parry and Peter Senior.
• The Australian Open, held at The Lakes Golf Club, was the most prestigious tournament and drew a strong international field.
• Co-sanctioning agreements with the European Tour enhanced the profile of select events, including the Australian Masters.
• The tour served as a development pathway for emerging players, including future stars like Robert Allenby and Steven Heighway.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operated as a season-long competition where players earned points and prize money based on tournament finishes. The structure supported player rankings, qualification for international events, and national representation.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points race awarded rankings based on prize money earned. Greg Norman topped the 1991 list with over A$217,000 in earnings.
• Tournament Format: Events followed a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with cuts after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 70 players and ties.
• Eligibility: Professional golfers registered with the PGA of Australia or approved international players could enter official events.
• Co-Sanctioning: Selected tournaments were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, allowing dual ranking points and increased prize funds.
• Prize Pools: Event purses ranged from A$100,000 to over A$300,000, with the Australian Open offering the largest payout.
• Player Rankings: Performance contributed to the Official World Golf Ranking, influencing eligibility for majors and international team events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1991 PGA Tour of Australasia with other major tours of the same year:

The 1991 season showed growth compared to 1990, with two additional events and higher earnings. While smaller than the U.S. and European tours, the Australasian circuit played a crucial role in regional player development and international exposure.

Why It Matters

The 1991 PGA Tour of Australasia was a pivotal season that highlighted the global reach of professional golf and the competitive depth of Southern Hemisphere players. Its structure and integration with international tours helped elevate the sport’s profile in Australia and beyond.

• Greg Norman’s success boosted national pride and inspired a generation of Australian golfers to pursue international careers.
• The tour provided critical ranking points for qualification into major championships like The Open and the Masters.
• Co-sanctioned events increased television exposure and sponsorship, benefiting players and organizers alike.
• It served as a stepping stone for future stars like Robert Allenby, who gained experience against world-class competition.
• The season reinforced the PGA of Australia’s role as a key administrator in global golf governance.
• Strong performances helped secure greater funding and support for grassroots programs and junior development.

Overall, the 1991 season exemplified the growing professionalism and international integration of golf in the Southern Hemisphere, setting a foundation for future growth.