What Is 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 38th season of the professional golf tour, featuring 15 official events across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, with Adam Bland winning the Order of Merit with A$235,485 in earnings.

Key Facts

2012 marked the 38th season of the PGA Tour of Australasia
The tour consisted of 15 official events across 3 countries
Adam Bland won the Order of Merit with A$235,485 in prize money
The Australian Open was the most lucrative event with A$1.5 million purse
The tour operated from October 2011 to March 2012

Overview

The 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 38th edition of the professional golf circuit sanctioned by Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf. It served as a key developmental and competitive platform for golfers in the Oceania region, offering Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points and qualification pathways to international tours.

Running from late 2011 into early 2012, the season featured a mix of standalone events and co-sanctioned tournaments with other global tours. The tour attracted both emerging local talent and seasoned professionals aiming to maintain status or earn exemptions to larger tours like the European Tour or PGA Tour.

15 official events were held across Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia, with the season beginning in October 2011 and concluding in March 2012.
The Australian Open, held at Royal Melbourne, offered the largest purse at A$1.5 million and awarded significant OWGR points.
Adam Bland claimed the Order of Merit title after finishing first with A$235,485 in season earnings, edging out strong competitors.
Several events were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, including the Australian PGA Championship and the Australian Open, enhancing field strength.
The tour awarded Official World Golf Ranking points, making it strategically important for players seeking global recognition and entry into major championships.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a regional professional golf circuit, structuring its season around a points and prize money system to determine rankings and honors. Each event contributes to the Order of Merit, which is based on total earnings, and influences player eligibility and invitations.

Order of Merit: A season-long points race based on prize money earned; the winner, such as Adam Bland in 2012, receives ranking benefits and tour privileges.
Co-sanctioning: Events like the Australian PGA Championship were jointly run with the European Tour, allowing players to earn dual points and larger purses.
Eligibility: Players gain entry via qualifying school, past performance, sponsor invites, or exemptions based on world ranking or prior success.
OWGR Points: The tour awards Official World Golf Ranking points, with more points given for co-sanctioned events, helping players climb global standings.
Season Structure: The 2012 season spanned five months, from October 2011 to March 2012, with events clustered in Australia and New Zealand.
Prize Money: Total prize funds varied per event, with the Australian Open offering A$1.5 million and smaller events offering around A$300,000.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia events with prize money, locations, and notable winners.

Event	Location	Prize Money (A$)	Winner	OWGR Points (Winner)
Australian Open	Royal Melbourne, VIC	1,500,000	Adam Scott	24
Australian PGA Championship	Royal Pines, QLD	1,000,000	Greg Chalmers	16
Victorian Open	Lake Karrinyup, WA	300,000	Andrew Evans	8
New Zealand Open	Pukerua Bay, NZ	500,000	Brad Kennedy	12
Indonesia Open	Jakarta, ID	400,000	Scott Barr	10

The table highlights the disparity in prize funds and ranking points across events, reflecting the tour’s reliance on co-sanctioning to boost prestige. Standout performances at marquee events like the Australian Open had a major impact on the Order of Merit and global rankings.

Why It Matters

The 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia played a crucial role in the golf ecosystem of the Southern Hemisphere, serving as both a proving ground and a launchpad for international careers. Its structure and partnerships helped elevate regional golf while providing tangible benefits to players.

Pathway to global tours: Strong finishes offered entries into European Tour events and improved chances for PGA Tour access via world ranking.
Player development: Young golfers like Jason Day used the tour early in their careers to build experience and confidence.
Economic impact: Host cities benefited from tourism and media exposure, especially during high-profile events like the Australian Open.
Sponsorship opportunities: Success on the tour helped players attract endorsements and increase marketability in Australasia.
National pride: The tour fostered regional talent and kept top Australian and New Zealand players competitive on the world stage.
Historical continuity: As a 38-year-old institution, the tour preserved competitive traditions and evolved with modern golf standards.

Ultimately, the 2012 season underscored the tour’s enduring relevance in shaping careers and promoting professional golf across the Pacific region.