What Is 2013 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2013 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 40th edition of the premier men’s professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand. Organized by the Professional Golfers' Association of Australia, it featured a mix of domestic and international events designed to elevate player rankings and offer pathways to global tours.

This season served as a critical bridge for players aiming to qualify for the European Tour and gain Official World Golf Ranking points. With events spanning five countries, the tour emphasized regional growth while maintaining competitive standards through co-sanctioning agreements.

• 17 official events were contested from November 2012 through November 2013, forming the core schedule of the season.
• The tour celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of professional golf development across Australia and the South Pacific.
• Adam Scott claimed the Order of Merit title with A$325,000 in earnings, becoming the season’s top-ranked player.
• The Emirates Australian Open offered the largest purse of A$1.5 million, attracting a strong international field.
• Seven tournaments were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, increasing global exposure and ranking point opportunities.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where players earn ranking points and prize money based on tournament finishes. Its structure supports player development and international qualification.

• Order of Merit: This season-long points race ranks players by prize money earned; Adam Scott won it in 2013 with A$325,000, securing top honors.
• Co-sanctioning: Events like the Australian Open were jointly recognized by the European Tour, allowing players to earn dual ranking points and increased exposure.
• World Ranking Points: Strong performances awarded Official World Golf Ranking points, helping players qualify for majors and global events.
• Eligibility: Open to both Australian and international professionals, the tour included players from over 15 countries during the 2013 season.
• Qualifying School: The PGA of Australia conducted a qualifying tournament to determine entry for non-exempt players into official events.
• Prize Purses: Event purses ranged from A$500,000 to A$1.5 million, with co-sanctioned events offering the highest rewards.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key tournaments from the 2013 PGA Tour of Australasia season:

While the WGC-HSBC Champions had the largest purse, it was not an official PGA Tour of Australasia event, highlighting how co-sanctioned events varied in scale. The Australian Open remained the tour’s flagship domestic event, drawing the most attention and top-tier players.

Why It Matters

The 2013 PGA Tour of Australasia played a crucial role in developing professional golfers and strengthening regional ties within the global golf community. Its structure enabled emerging players to compete alongside established stars, fostering growth and visibility.

• The tour provided pathways to the European Tour through co-sanctioned events, helping players advance their international careers.
• Young talents like Cameron Smith gained early experience, setting the stage for future success on global circuits.
• Australian golf fans benefited from increased access to world-class events hosted locally each season.
• The season contributed to national pride in golf, especially with Adam Scott’s dominant performance post-Masters win.
• Prize money distribution supported professional sustainability for full-time players on the Australasian circuit.
• International participation strengthened golf diplomacy between Australia, New Zealand, and global golfing bodies.

Overall, the 2013 season underscored the tour’s importance as a developmental and competitive platform, bridging local talent with global opportunities in professional golf.