What Is 2000-01 PGA Tour of Australasia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000–01 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 30th season of the professional golf tour based in Australia and New Zealand, featuring 17 official events from November 2000 to October 2001. The Order of Merit was won by Australian golfer Robert Allenby, who earned A$381,288 in prize money.

Key Facts

The 2000–01 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 30th season of the tour.
It consisted of 17 official events held between November 2000 and October 2001.
Robert Allenby won the Order of Merit with A$381,288 in earnings.
The tour included events across Australia and New Zealand, with some co-sanctioned by the European Tour.
The richest tournament was the Heineken Classic, offering A$1.2 million in prize money.

Overview

The 2000–01 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 30th season of the premier professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand. It featured a mix of domestic and international players competing across 17 official events, spanning from November 2000 to October 2001.

This season was notable for its strong field and co-sanctioned events with the European Tour, enhancing its global profile. The tour served as a platform for Australian golfers to gain world ranking points and qualify for international competitions.

Season duration: The tour ran from November 2000 to October 2001, covering a full calendar cycle with events primarily in Australia and New Zealand.
Number of events: A total of 17 official tournaments were held, including the Australian Open, New Zealand Open, and the Heineken Classic.
Order of Merit winner:Robert Allenby claimed the top spot with earnings of A$381,288, becoming the leading money winner of the season.
Co-sanctioned events: The Heineken Classic and the Australian Open were co-sanctioned by the European Tour, attracting higher-ranked international players.
Prize money: Total prize funds varied by event, with the Heineken Classic offering A$1.2 million, the largest purse of the season.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where professional golfers earn points and prize money based on tournament finishes. Rankings and awards are determined by consistent performance across the schedule.

Order of Merit: The Order of Merit ranks players by total prize money earned during the season. Robert Allenby won it in 2000–01 with A$381,288, reflecting his consistent top finishes.
Tournament structure: Events followed a 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes to reduce the field for the final two rounds.
Eligibility: Players qualified via tour membership, sponsor invitations, or performance in qualifying schools and previous events.
World rankings: Strong performances earned Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, helping players gain entry into majors and global tours.
Co-sanctioning: Joint events with the European Tour allowed Australasian players to earn Race to Dubai points and increase international exposure.
Season progression: The tour began in November and concluded in October, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer golf season.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2000–01 season can be better understood by comparing its key metrics to the previous and following seasons.

Season	Number of Events	Order of Merit Winner	Top Prize (A$)	Season Champion’s Earnings
1999–2000	16	Greg Chalmers	1.1 million	A$305,000
2000–01	17	Robert Allenby	1.2 million	A$381,288
2001–02	15	Richard Green	1.0 million	A$298,000
2002–03	16	Adam Scott	1.3 million	A$410,000
2003–04	14	Robert Allenby	1.2 million	A$367,000

The table shows that the 2000–01 season had the highest number of events and the highest earnings for the Order of Merit winner up to that point. It marked a peak in tour activity and financial rewards before slight declines in subsequent years. The inclusion of co-sanctioned events helped sustain interest and competitive depth.

Why It Matters

The 2000–01 PGA Tour of Australasia played a crucial role in the development of professional golf in the region, providing visibility and opportunities for local talent on the world stage. It also strengthened ties between Australasian and European golf circuits through co-sanctioning agreements.

Player development: The tour helped emerging golfers like Adam Scott gain experience before moving to the PGA Tour or European Tour.
Economic impact: Tournaments generated local revenue through tourism, sponsorships, and media coverage in host cities.
Global integration: Co-sanctioned events allowed Australasian players to earn OWGR points and qualify for major championships.
Media exposure: Broadcast partnerships increased the tour’s reach, with national TV coverage in Australia and New Zealand.
Sponsorship growth: Companies like Heineken and Ford invested heavily, boosting prize pools and event prestige.
Legacy: The success of the 2000–01 season set a benchmark for future seasons in terms of competitiveness and financial rewards.

Overall, the 2000–01 season exemplified the growing professionalism and international relevance of golf in Australasia, laying groundwork for future stars and stronger tour structures.