What Is 1989 PGA Tour of Australia

Overview

The 1989 PGA Tour of Australia marked the 18th season of the country’s premier professional golf circuit, organized by the Professional Golfers' Association of Australia. This year was notable for the continued dominance of Greg Norman, who solidified his status as Australia’s top golfer through consistent performances across the season.

The tour spanned from January to December 1989 and featured a total of 17 official events, including national opens, international co-sanctioned tournaments, and regional PGA events. Prize money and player participation reflected growing interest in Australian golf, with several events attracting international competitors.

• Greg Norman won the Order of Merit with season earnings of A$187,500, the highest on the tour by a significant margin.
• The season kicked off in January with the Queensland Open, held at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane.
• Norman claimed victory at the Australian Open in December 1989, one of his four wins that season, held at The Lakes Golf Club.
• The Dunhill International, co-sanctioned with the European Tour, was one of the most prestigious events and included top international players.
• The tour was part of the PGA Tour of Australasia, which later became an official member of the International Federation of PGA Tours in 1991.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australia operated as a season-long competition where professional golfers earned points and prize money based on their finishes in sanctioned events. The structure mirrored other international tours, with rankings determined by cumulative performance.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points race awarded rankings based on prize money earned; Greg Norman topped it with A$187,500 in 1989.
• Official Events: A total of 17 tournaments counted toward the Order of Merit, including national opens and invitationals.
• Prize Money: Payouts varied per event, with the Australian Open offering the largest purse at approximately A$150,000.
• Player Eligibility: Open to PGA of Australia members and international professionals, with entry based on ranking, qualification, or invitation.
• Schedule Format: Events were held monthly, primarily between January and December, with no winter break due to Australia’s climate.
• Co-sanctioning: Select events, like the Dunhill International, were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, boosting global visibility and competition quality.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1989 PGA Tour of Australia can be compared to other regional tours of the era in terms of structure, prize money, and player strength.

This comparison highlights that while the Australian tour had fewer events and lower prize money than major global tours, it played a crucial role in developing talent and providing competitive opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere. Co-sanctioned events helped bridge the gap in prestige and exposure.

Why It Matters

The 1989 PGA Tour of Australia was a pivotal year in Australian golf history, showcasing local talent on a growing international stage. It demonstrated the viability of a national tour in supporting elite players like Greg Norman while laying groundwork for future expansion.

• The success of Greg Norman in 1989 boosted national interest in golf and inspired a new generation of Australian players.
• Co-sanctioning with the European Tour elevated the status of Australian events and increased media coverage.
• The tour provided essential competitive experience for up-and-coming golfers aiming to play overseas.
• Prize money growth from previous years indicated increasing sponsorship and commercial interest in Australian golf.
• The PGA of Australia strengthened its organizational structure, improving event logistics and player support.
• International participation helped integrate the Australian tour into the global golf ecosystem, paving the way for future World Golf Championships inclusion.

The 1989 season remains a benchmark for the development of professional golf in Australia, marking a transition toward greater professionalism and international relevance.