What Is 2018 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2018 PGA Tour of Australasia served as the 45th edition of the region’s top-tier professional golf circuit, co-sanctioned by the PGA of Australia and New Zealand. It featured a mix of domestic and international players competing across Australia, New Zealand, and select Asian events, with the season officially spanning from late 2017 to late 2018.

As a key developmental tour for the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, the Australasian circuit provided crucial ranking points and qualification opportunities. Players earned status on higher-tier tours through strong performances, particularly via the tour’s Order of Merit standings.

• 17 official events were held during the 2018 season, including the Australian PGA Championship and New Zealand Open.
• The total prize fund across all tournaments exceeded AUD 15 million, with individual event purses ranging from AUD 1 million to over AUD 2 million.
• The season began in November 2017 with the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship and concluded in November 2018.
• Jinichiro Kozuma claimed the Order of Merit title, earning the most prize money and ranking points across the season.
• Several events were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, allowing players to earn dual ranking points and international exposure.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where players accumulate points and prize money across sanctioned tournaments to determine rankings and qualifications.

• Order of Merit: This ranking is based on total prize money earned during the season. The player with the highest earnings, Jinichiro Kozuma, claimed the 2018 title and received exemptions into higher-tier events.
• Eligible Events: Only 17 tournaments were designated as official events, including the Australian Open and New Zealand PGA Championship, contributing to the Order of Merit.
• Player Qualification: Entry is based on past performance, qualifying school results, sponsor invites, and exemptions for top amateurs, ensuring competitive depth.
• Co-Sanctioning: Events like the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, enhancing prestige and prize pools.
• World Ranking Points: Winners earned Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, crucial for qualifying for majors and global tours.
• Season Duration: Though branded as the 2018 season, the tour ran from November 2017 to November 2018, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer golf calendar.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 PGA Tour of Australasia compares to other regional tours in structure and scale:

The table highlights the PGA Tour of Australasia’s regional focus and smaller scale compared to global tours. However, its co-sanctioned events and pathway to larger tours make it a vital stepping stone for emerging professionals aiming for international careers.

Why It Matters

The 2018 PGA Tour of Australasia played a critical role in developing golf talent in the Southern Hemisphere and connecting regional players to the global game. Its structure supports player development and provides a clear pathway to elite competition.

• Players earned Official World Golf Ranking points, helping them qualify for major championships like The Open or the U.S. Open.
• Winning or finishing high on the Order of Merit granted entry into DP World Tour events for the following season.
• The tour served as a proving ground for young Australian and New Zealand talent, including future stars like Cameron Smith.
• Co-sanctioned events increased media exposure and attracted international players, raising competitive standards.
• Strong performances helped players secure sponsorships and endorsement deals with regional and global brands.
• The tour contributed to the growth of golf in Oceania by promoting events across rural and urban centers in Australia and New Zealand.

By blending competitive golf with developmental opportunities, the 2018 PGA Tour of Australasia reinforced its importance in the global golf ecosystem.