What Is 2006 PGA Tour of Australasia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 33rd season of the primary professional golf tour in Australia and surrounding regions, featuring 14 official events and serving as a pathway to international tours like the European Tour.

Key Facts

The 2006 PGA Tour of Australasia marked its 33rd season with 14 official events.
The tour ran from December 2005 to November 2006, overlapping calendar years.
Winner of the Order of Merit was Australian golfer Nick O’Malley with 101,422 points.
The Emirates Australian Open was the most lucrative event, offering A$1 million in prize money.
The tour was sanctioned by the PGA of Australia and affiliated with the International Federation of PGA Tours.

Overview

The 2006 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 33rd season of the premier professional golf circuit in Australia and neighboring countries. Sanctioned by the PGA of Australia, the tour served as a critical developmental and competitive platform for golfers across Oceania and Asia-Pacific regions. It formed part of the International Federation of PGA Tours, linking it to global golf structures.

This season featured a mix of domestic and international events, attracting both local talent and overseas professionals. The tour ran from late 2005 through November 2006, with a total of 14 official events contributing to the Order of Merit. It played a vital role in player development and qualification for higher-tier tours such as the European Tour and the U.S.-based PGA Tour.

14 official events were held during the 2006 season, including the Australian Open, New Zealand Open, and Queensland PGA Championship.
The tour began in December 2005 with the MasterCard Masters and concluded in November 2006 with the Holden Australian Open.
Nick O’Malley claimed the Order of Merit title with 101,422 points, securing exemptions into international events.
The Emirates Australian Open offered the largest purse at A$1 million, with a winner’s share of A$166,666.
Players earned world ranking points and potential qualification for the World Cup of Golf through strong performances on the tour.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where players accumulate points and prize money across sanctioned tournaments. Each event contributes to the Order of Merit, which determines the season champion and provides access to global golf opportunities.

Order of Merit: A season-long points race based on prize money earned; the leader at season’s end wins the title and gains international eligibility.
Eligible Events: Only tournaments approved by the PGA of Australia count toward the official standings and ranking points.
Player Eligibility: Open to professional golfers worldwide, though most competitors are from Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
World Ranking Points: Select events award Official World Golf Ranking points, crucial for qualifying for majors and global tours.
European Tour Access: The top five players on the Order of Merit earned status to play on the European Tour for the following season.
Team Qualification: Strong performances helped Australia qualify for international team events like the World Cup and Presidents Cup.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2006 PGA Tour of Australasia with other major regional tours in terms of structure and opportunities.

Tour	Number of Events (2006)	Top Prize (USD)	Order of Merit Winner	Global Access
PGA Tour of Australasia	14	$750,000	Nick O’Malley	European Tour spots
European Tour	42	$1,000,000	Padraig Harrington	Ryder Cup qualification
PGA Tour (USA)	47	$1,260,000	Tiger Woods	Presidents Cup, majors
Asian Tour	18	$135,000	Thongchai Jaidee	World Cup spots
Japan Golf Tour	25	$200,000	Shigeki Maruyama	WGC events

The 2006 PGA Tour of Australasia offered fewer events and smaller purses than its global counterparts but remained a key stepping stone for regional players aiming to compete internationally. Its integration with the European Tour provided a rare pathway for Australasian golfers to reach higher levels of competition.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season was pivotal in maintaining the competitive depth of golf in the Southern Hemisphere and fostering international exposure for local talent. It helped bridge the gap between regional play and global golf, offering tangible rewards for consistent performance.

The tour enabled emerging golfers like Jason Day (then an amateur) to gain experience through sponsor exemptions and future eligibility.
Strong Order of Merit finishes allowed players to bypass qualifying schools for the European Tour, saving time and resources.
Events like the Australian Open drew international stars, boosting visibility and media coverage for local golf.
Prize money and ranking points supported players in achieving professional sustainability and global recognition.
The tour strengthened regional cooperation through co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour and European Tour.
It preserved Australia’s legacy in golf, following in the footsteps of legends like Greg Norman and Peter Thomson.

By integrating with international circuits and nurturing homegrown talent, the 2006 PGA Tour of Australasia played a crucial role in the global golf ecosystem, ensuring continuity and competitiveness for future generations.