What Is 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 41st season of the premier professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand. Sanctioned by the PGA of Australia, the tour served as a developmental and competitive platform for players aiming to qualify for global tours like the European Tour and PGA Tour.

Running from October 2014 through December 2015, the season featured 13 official events, including flagship tournaments such as the Australian Open and the New Zealand Open. The tour is part of the International Federation of PGA Tours, offering Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points and pathways to major championships.

• Danny Lee won the Order of Merit after earning A$409,407 in prize money, becoming the first New Zealander to top the rankings.
• The Emirates Australian Open, held in November 2014 at The Lakes Golf Club, had a total purse of A$1.5 million, the largest on the tour.
• 13 official events were held across Australia and New Zealand, with the season beginning in October 2014 and concluding in December 2015.
• Players earned Official World Golf Ranking points, with the top performers gaining entry into international events like The Open Championship.
• The tour provided a qualifying route for the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, with the top five non-exempt players earning European Tour cards.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where players accumulate prize money and ranking points across sanctioned events. The structure supports player development and offers access to higher-tier tours through performance-based qualifications.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points race ranks players by prize money earned in official events. The winner, Danny Lee, received A$409,407 and automatic entry into select international events.
• Event Schedule: The 2015 season included 13 tournaments, beginning with the Australian Masters in November 2014 and ending with the Australian Open in December 2015.
• OWGR Points: The tour awards Official World Golf Ranking points to top finishers, helping players improve their global standing and qualify for majors.
• European Tour Access: The top five players not otherwise exempt earned European Tour cards for the following season through the Order of Merit.
• Co-sanctioning: Events like the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational were co-sanctioned, allowing Australasian players to earn world ranking points and prize money.
• Eligibility: Open to PGA-registered professionals, with entry based on past performance, qualifying school results, and sponsor invitations.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key metrics between the 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia and other major regional tours:

This table highlights how the 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia compares in scale and opportunity. While smaller in event count and purse size than the European or Korn Ferry Tours, it plays a critical role in developing talent from Oceania and providing access to global golf circuits through co-sanctioning and ranking points.

Why It Matters

The 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia was more than just a regional golf circuit—it was a launchpad for international careers and a key contributor to the global golf ecosystem. Its structure supports player development while maintaining competitive integrity and international relevance.

• Danny Lee’s success demonstrated the tour’s ability to produce world-class talent, as he later competed on the PGA Tour and in major championships.
• The tour offered direct access to the European Tour for top performers, enhancing its prestige and competitive depth.
• It provided golfers from small markets like New Zealand and Pacific Islands a realistic path to professional success.
• OWGR points distribution allowed players to qualify for majors like The Open Championship based on consistent performance.
• The co-sanctioning model with events like the World Golf Championships helped bridge regional and global competition gaps.
• It strengthened golf’s popularity in Australasia, drawing large crowds and media coverage for marquee events like the Australian Open.

By fostering talent and offering tangible rewards, the 2015 PGA Tour of Australasia reinforced its role as a vital link in the global golf hierarchy, connecting local excellence with international opportunity.