What Is 2008 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2008 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 35th edition of the premier professional golf tour in Australia and New Zealand, sanctioned by the PGA of Australia. It formed part of the global network of PGA-affiliated tours and served as a developmental and competitive platform for Southern Hemisphere golfers.

The season ran from November 2007 to February 2009, incorporating events across two calendar years. It featured a mix of domestic and international players, with several tournaments co-sanctioned by other tours such as the Asian Tour and OneAsia.

• Adam Scott claimed the Order of Merit title with A$495,000 in official earnings, despite limited appearances due to his PGA Tour commitments.
• The tour hosted 17 official events, including flagship tournaments like the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship.
• Greg Chalmers won the Emirates Australian Open in December 2008, defeating Robert Allenby in a playoff at The Lakes Golf Club.
• The RACV Royal Pines Resort in Queensland hosted the Australian PGA Championship, won by Brendon de Jonge.
• Several events were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, enhancing prize money and international player participation.

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 qualification for higher-tier tours.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points race where players accumulate earnings from official events; Adam Scott topped it in 2008 with A$495,000.
• Eligible Events: Only tournaments approved by the PGA of Australia count toward the Order of Merit; the 2008 season included 17 such events.
• Co-sanctioning: Events like the Australian Open were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, increasing field strength and prize funds to over A$1 million.
• World Ranking Points: Top finishers earned Official World Golf Ranking points, crucial for qualifying for majors and international events.
• Player Eligibility: Open to professionals with PGA of Australia membership; international players could compete but needed to meet entry criteria.
• Season Format: The 2008 season spanned from late 2007 to early 2009, accommodating Australia’s summer golf schedule.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2008 PGA Tour of Australasia compared to other major tours:

The 2008 PGA Tour of Australasia offered fewer events and lower prize money than global counterparts, but remained vital for regional players seeking international exposure. Its co-sanctioned events helped bridge the gap, allowing top performers to gain ranking points and qualify for majors.

Why It Matters

The 2008 season played a key role in developing Australian golf talent and maintaining the country’s presence on the global stage. It provided a competitive structure for professionals outside the U.S. and European circuits.

• Pathway to Majors: Strong finishes helped players like Greg Chalmers earn entries into major championships.
• Player Development: Young golfers used the tour as a springboard to the PGA Tour and European Tour.
• Economic Impact: Events like the Australian Open generated significant local revenue and media coverage.
• International Exposure: Co-sanctioning brought global players to Australia, raising the tour’s profile.
• Sponsorship Growth: Brands like Emirates and Ford invested in events, boosting prize funds.
• Golf Legacy: The tour preserved Australia’s rich golf history, linking past champions to new generations.

The 2008 PGA Tour of Australasia may have been smaller in scale, but its influence on player careers and national golf culture was substantial and enduring.