What Is 2022-23 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2022–23 PGA Tour of Australasia celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier professional golf circuits. Organized by the PGA of Australia, the tour showcased elite talent across Australia and New Zealand, serving as a developmental and competitive platform for golfers aiming to advance to international tours.

This season emphasized regional pride and global integration, with several events co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour. The structure allowed players to earn Official World Golf Ranking points and qualification opportunities for major championships, including The Open Championship.

• 15 official events were held between November 2022 and May 2023, marking a full return to pre-pandemic scheduling after disruptions in prior years.
• The ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia branding reflected a title sponsorship deal worth over AUD $1 million annually, boosting prize funds and visibility.
• The season opener, the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, took place at Royal Queensland Golf Club from November 24–27, 2022.
• Min Woo Lee claimed the Order of Merit title with earnings exceeding AUD $460,000, edging out competitors like Lucas Herbert and Cameron Davis.
• The tour contributed over 1,200 OWGR points across events, with the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship offering the highest allocations.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where players accumulate points and prize money based on tournament finishes. The structure supports player development, international qualification, and regional golf growth.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points race awards rankings based on prize money earned. The winner receives exemptions into major international events and elevated status on partner tours.
• Co-sanctioning Agreements: Events like the Australian Open were co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, allowing players to earn dual-ranking points and increased prize purses.
• Eligibility: Professional golfers from Australia, New Zealand, and invited international players qualify, with field sizes averaging 120–144 competitors per event.
• Prize Money: Total prize funds exceeded AUD $7.5 million for the season, with individual events ranging from AUD $1.2 million to $2.5 million.
• OWGR Points: The tour awards Official World Golf Ranking points, with top events offering up to 32 points to the winner, crucial for global standings.
• Pathway to Majors: Strong performances provided access to majors; for example, the top five on the Order of Merit earned spots in The Open Championship qualifier.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022–23 PGA Tour of Australasia compares to other major regional tours:

The PGA Tour of Australasia holds a unique position as a bridge between regional competition and global exposure. While smaller in scale than the DP World or Korn Ferry Tours, its co-sanctioned events and major qualification incentives elevate its importance. The tour’s geographic concentration allows for lower travel costs and stronger local fan engagement, fostering player development in a supportive environment.

Why It Matters

The 2022–23 season underscored the tour’s role in nurturing world-class golfers and strengthening Australia’s presence in international golf. With rising stars like Min Woo Lee and Nick Taylor competing, the tour demonstrated both competitive depth and global relevance.

• Development Pipeline: The tour serves as a critical training ground for young Australian talent aiming to compete on the PGA or DP World Tours.
• Economic Impact: Host cities reported tourism boosts of AUD $1.5–3 million per major event, benefiting local businesses and infrastructure.
• Global Access: The Open Championship qualification pathway gives players a realistic route to major championships without relocating permanently.
• Sponsorship Growth: Increased investment from ISPS Handa and Fortinet signals growing commercial confidence in Australasian golf.
• Media Exposure: Events were broadcast in over 80 countries, enhancing visibility for sponsors and players alike.
• Gender Equity: The tour works in tandem with the WPGA Tour of Australasia, promoting parity and shared event opportunities for women golfers.

As golf continues to globalize, the PGA Tour of Australasia remains a vital node in the sport’s ecosystem—balancing tradition, development, and international ambition.