What Is 1999-2000 PGA Tour of Australasia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999–2000 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 29th season of the professional golf tour based in Australia and New Zealand, featuring 23 official events with prize money totaling over AUD $6.8 million. The Order of Merit was won by Robert Allenby, who claimed four titles during the season.

Key Facts

The 1999–2000 PGA Tour of Australasia spanned from December 1999 to April 2000 with 23 official events
Total prize money exceeded AUD $6.8 million across the season
Robert Allenby won the Order of Merit with four tournament victories
The Australian Open and New Zealand Open were flagship events on the schedule
The tour served as a qualifying pathway for the European Tour and World Golf Championships

Overview

The 1999–2000 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 29th official season of the premier professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand. Sanctioned by Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf, the tour attracted top regional talent and several international players seeking global ranking points and European Tour access.

This season was notable for its competitive depth and high-profile winners, contributing to the growing prestige of Australasian golf. Events were held across both countries, with prize funds reflecting increased sponsorship and media interest.

23 official events were contested between December 1999 and April 2000, forming a tightly packed schedule across Australia and New Zealand.
The total prize money pool exceeded AUD $6.8 million, representing a 7% increase from the previous season due to expanded sponsorships.
Robert Allenby dominated the season, winning four tournaments including the Australian Masters and the Heineken Classic.
The Order of Merit, awarded to the top points earner, was claimed by Allenby with a decisive lead over runner-up Steve Elkington.
Flagship events such as the Australian Open and New Zealand Open offered minimum purses of AUD $1 million each, drawing global attention.

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 1999–2000 season followed a merit-based structure designed to reward consistency and excellence.

Term: The season officially ran from December 1999 to April 2000, featuring events primarily in Australia and one in New Zealand. Each tournament awarded ranking points and prize money based on field strength and finish position.
Players earned points under the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system, with top-10 finishes providing crucial ranking boosts for entry into majors and European Tour events.
The Order of Merit was calculated using prize money earned in official events, with Robert Allenby securing the title with AUD $1.03 million in season earnings.
Co-sanctioning agreements with the European Tour allowed select events, such as the Australian Open, to offer dual points and attract higher-caliber fields.
Eligibility required PGA membership in Australia or New Zealand, though international players could participate as invites or qualifiers.
Tournament formats followed standard 72-hole stroke play, with 36-hole cuts reducing the field after the second round based on score and ties.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1999–2000 season can be better understood by comparing key metrics to prior and subsequent tours:

Season	Number of Events	Total Prize Money (AUD)	Order of Merit Winner	Top Event Purse
1998–1999	21	$6.3 million	Greg Chalmers	$1.1 million
1999–2000	23	$6.8 million	Robert Allenby	$1.3 million
2000–2001	22	$6.5 million	Paul Gow	$1.2 million
2001–2002	20	$6.0 million	Richard Green	$1.1 million
2002–2003	21	$6.2 million	Adam Groom	$1.05 million

This table highlights the peak competitiveness of the 1999–2000 season, which saw the highest number of events and prize money during this five-year window. The success of Robert Allenby and the elevated purses reflected strong organizational momentum before a slight downturn in the early 2000s.

Why It Matters

The 1999–2000 PGA Tour of Australasia played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s golf landscape and launching international careers. Its structure and outcomes influenced future scheduling, player development, and global integration.

The season elevated Robert Allenby to global prominence, leading to multiple European Tour invitations and World Golf Championships appearances.
Strong performances helped players like Steve Lehman and Richard Green gain entry into major championships such as The Open.
The tour’s co-sanctioning model with the European Tour became a blueprint for future international partnerships in golf.
Increased media coverage from networks like Seven Network boosted visibility and inspired a new generation of Australian golfers.
Prize money growth demonstrated the commercial viability of professional golf in the region, attracting sponsors like Heineken and Ford.
The season also served as a qualifying path for the Presidents Cup, with several players earning points toward International Team selection.

Ultimately, the 1999–2000 season stands as a high point in Australasian golf history, combining competitive excellence with structural innovation that had lasting impacts on the sport’s development in the Southern Hemisphere.