What Is 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 30th season of the premier professional golf tour in Australasia, featuring 16 official events and culminating in the Australian Open. Total prize money exceeded AUD $8.7 million, with Greg Chalmers winning the Order of Merit.

Key Facts

The 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 30th season of the tour
Total prize money exceeded AUD $8.7 million across 16 events
Greg Chalmers won the Order of Merit with consistent top-10 finishes
The Australian Open served as the season-ending event in December 2005
The tour was sanctioned by the PGA of Australia and aligned with the Official World Golf Ranking

Overview

The 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 30th season of the region’s top-tier professional golf circuit, sanctioned by the PGA of Australia. It featured a schedule of 16 official events held primarily in Australia and New Zealand, drawing both local talent and international competitors seeking OWGR points.

The tour served as a crucial developmental and competitive platform for golfers in the Southern Hemisphere. With events spanning from October 2004 to December 2005, it offered players a chance to earn prize money, world ranking points, and qualification opportunities for major championships.

Season span: The official 2005 season began in October 2004 with the New Zealand Open and concluded in December 2005 with the Australian Open, covering a 14-month period.
Number of events: A total of 16 official tournaments were held, including flagship events like the Australian PGA Championship and the New Zealand Open.
Prize fund: The combined prize money across all events exceeded AUD $8.7 million, with the Australian Open offering the largest purse at approximately AUD $1 million.
Order of Merit winner:Greg Chalmers claimed the Order of Merit title by accumulating the most earnings, finishing in the top 10 in seven events during the season.
Global alignment: The tour was recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), allowing players to earn valuable ranking points toward qualification for majors and international events.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where players earn points and prize money based on tournament finishes. The structure supports professional development and provides a pathway to higher-tier tours like the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

Order of Merit:Points are awarded based on prize money earned throughout the season, with the player accumulating the most money winning the Order of Merit title and associated accolades.
Tournament eligibility:Players qualify via exemptions, rankings, or qualifying school, with fields typically including past champions, top-ranked amateurs, and international invitees.
OWGR points:Top finishers receive Official World Golf Ranking points, enabling players to improve their global standing and gain entry into major championships.
Co-sanctioning:Some events were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, such as the Johnnie Walker Classic, increasing prize money and field strength.
Season duration:The 2005 season ran from October 2004 to December 2005, allowing flexibility in scheduling across the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.
Player development:The tour serves as a stepping stone for emerging professionals aiming to compete on the DP World Tour or PGA Tour through performance-based pathways.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia with other major regional tours during the same period:

Tour	Number of Events	Total Prize Money (USD)	Order of Merit Winner	OWGR Recognition
PGA Tour of Australasia (2005)	16	$6.1 million	Greg Chalmers	Yes
PGA Tour (USA)	46	$278 million	Tiger Woods	Yes
European Tour	45	$135 million	Colin Montgomerie	Yes
Asian Tour	22	$38 million	Thongchai Jaidee	Yes
Japan Golf Tour	33	$85 million	Hideto Tanihara	Yes

While the 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia had significantly fewer events and lower prize funds than global tours, its OWGR recognition and co-sanctioned events provided vital exposure and competitive experience. It played a key role in nurturing regional talent and maintaining golf’s presence in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why It Matters

The 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia was more than just a regional circuit—it was a critical component in the global golf ecosystem. It offered players from Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring countries a professional platform to compete, earn rankings, and advance their careers internationally.

Pathway to majors:Strong performances could lead to qualification for The Open Championship or other majors via world ranking improvements.
Player development:Young professionals like Rod Pampling used the tour to refine skills before moving to the PGA Tour.
Economic impact:Tournaments generated local revenue through tourism, broadcasting, and sponsorships in host cities.
Global integration:Co-sanctioning with the Asian Tour increased competitiveness and visibility for Australasian events.
Historical continuity:The 2005 season marked 30 years of the tour’s operation, highlighting its endurance and growth.
Legacy building:Players like Chalmers set benchmarks for future generations, inspiring local golf development.

Ultimately, the 2005 PGA Tour of Australasia exemplified how regional tours contribute to the broader sport, fostering talent and maintaining competitive depth worldwide.