What Is 2007 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2007 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 33rd season of the premier professional golf circuit in the South Pacific region. Sanctioned by the PGA of Australia, it featured a mix of domestic and international players competing across Australia and New Zealand.

The tour served as a developmental and competitive platform for golfers aiming to qualify for larger tours like the European Tour or PGA Tour. It also contributed Official World Golf Ranking points, enhancing its global significance.

• 17 official events were held during the 2007 season, including the Australian Open, New Zealand Open, and multiple Australian Masters tournaments.
• Total prize money for the season exceeded AUD 15 million, with individual event purses ranging from AUD 500,000 to over AUD 1.2 million.
• Adam Scott won the Order of Merit with earnings of AUD 770,000, despite participating in only a limited number of events due to his PGA Tour commitments.
• The tour ran from January to December 2007, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere summer and avoiding major clashes with U.S.-based golf schedules.
• Events were co-sanctioned with other tours, including the European Tour, such as the 2007 Australian Masters, which helped attract higher-ranked players.

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 player development and international exposure.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points race where players accumulate earnings from official events. Adam Scott won it in 2007 with AUD 770,000 in prize money.
• Eligibility: Open to professional golfers worldwide, though most participants were from Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. 17 events were designated as official money tournaments.
• Co-sanctioning: Several events were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, such as the 2007 Australian Open, increasing prize funds and field strength.
• World Ranking Points: The tour awarded Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, enabling players to improve their global standing and qualify for majors.
• PGA of Australia: The governing body that administers the tour, sets the schedule, and ensures compliance with international golf standards and regulations.
• Season Format: The 2007 season began in January with the Heineken Classic and concluded in December with the Australian Open, creating a full calendar-year structure.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2007 PGA Tour of Australasia with other major golf tours during the same year:

The 2007 PGA Tour of Australasia was modest in scale compared to global tours but played a crucial role in developing regional talent. Its co-sanctioned events allowed players to earn international recognition and ranking points, bridging the gap between regional and world-class competition.

Why It Matters

The 2007 PGA Tour of Australasia was significant for player development, regional golf promotion, and international integration. It provided a competitive platform for emerging talents and seasoned professionals alike.

• Player Development: Served as a critical stepping stone for golfers like Jason Day and Greg Chalmers who later succeeded on larger tours.
• Global Exposure: Co-sanctioning with the European Tour gave players access to higher prize money and stronger competition, boosting their world rankings.
• Economic Impact: Events attracted tourism and media attention, contributing millions to local economies in host cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
• Pathway to Majors: Strong performances helped players qualify for The Open Championship and other major tournaments through OWGR eligibility.
• Regional Unity: Strengthened golfing ties between Australia and New Zealand, fostering a shared sporting culture and collaborative event planning.
• Historical Continuity: The 2007 season continued a legacy dating back to 1974, reinforcing the tour’s role in the long-term growth of Australasian golf.

Overall, the 2007 PGA Tour of Australasia was more than a regional circuit—it was a vital link in the global golf ecosystem, nurturing talent and expanding the sport’s reach in the Southern Hemisphere.