What Is 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 36th season of the professional golf tour sanctioned by Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf, featuring 14 official events from October 2008 to November 2009. The tour was led by New Zealander Brendan Jones, who won the Order of Merit with earnings of A$171,227.

Key Facts

The 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia ran from October 2008 to November 2009 with 14 official events
Brendan Jones won the Order of Merit with A$171,227 in prize money
The tour co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour and OneAsia Tour
The Australian Open, held in December 2008, was one of the most prestigious events
Players earned World Ranking points based on performance in select tournaments

Overview

The 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 36th season of the premier professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand. Sanctioned by Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf, the tour served as a developmental and competitive platform for Southern Hemisphere golfers aiming to reach international levels.

This season featured a schedule spanning from late 2008 into late 2009, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer golf calendar. The tour offered official prize money, world ranking points, and pathways to global tours such as the European Tour and Asian Tour through co-sanctioned events.

Fourteen official events were held between October 2008 and November 2009, including national opens and regional championships across Australia and New Zealand.
Brendan Jones claimed the Order of Merit title with total earnings of A$171,227, edging out competitors like Greg Chalmers and Richard Green.
The Australian Open, played in December 2008 at The Lakes Golf Club, was one of the season’s highlights and attracted international entrants.
Co-sanctioning agreements with the Asian Tour and OneAsia Tour allowed players to earn dual ranking points and expanded the tour’s global reach.
World Ranking points were awarded for select events, including the Australian Open and the New Zealand Open, enhancing the tour’s competitive significance.

Structure and Events

The 2009 season followed a staggered calendar, beginning in late 2008 to accommodate climatic conditions and global tour schedules. Events were strategically placed to avoid clashes with major international tournaments while maximizing player participation.

Order of Merit: This ranking system tracked player earnings across official events. Brendan Jones won it with A$171,227, securing recognition as the season’s top performer.
Prize Funds: Total prize money across events ranged from A$600,000 to over A$1 million, with the Australian Open offering A$1.5 million in 2008.
Player Eligibility: Open to professionals from Australia, New Zealand, and international invitees, with over 120 players competing across the season.
Event Locations: Tournaments were held in eight Australian states and territories and two cities in New Zealand, emphasizing regional inclusivity.
Season Duration: The tour officially spanned 14 months, starting in October 2008 and concluding in November 2009 to align with the Southern Hemisphere’s golf season.
World Ranking Points: Events like the New Zealand Open awarded up to 16 Official World Golf Ranking points to the winner, boosting global visibility.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia with other major regional tours during the same season:

Tour	Number of Events	Top Prize (USD)	Order of Merit Winner	Global Ranking Access
PGA Tour of Australasia	14	$171,227	Brendan Jones	Yes (via co-sanctioning)
Asian Tour	18	$225,000	Thongchai Jaidee	Yes
European Tour	45	$4.2 million	Rory McIlroy	Yes
OneAsia Tour	6	$300,000	Yang Yong-eun	Yes
Korn Ferry Tour	23	$250,000	Michael Sim	Pathway to PGA Tour

The 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia held its own despite a smaller event count and prize pool. Its co-sanctioning with larger tours allowed players to gain experience and ranking points, serving as a critical stepping stone for emerging talent aiming to compete globally. The tour’s regional focus and integration with international circuits underscore its unique role in the golf ecosystem.

Why It Matters

The 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia played a vital role in nurturing golf talent in the Southern Hemisphere and connecting regional players to the global game. Its structure provided competitive opportunities, ranking exposure, and financial incentives essential for professional development.

Development Pipeline: The tour served as a proving ground for future stars, including Australians who later joined the PGA or European Tours.
Economic Impact: Each event generated local revenue through tourism, media, and sponsorships, with tournaments contributing over $1 million per city on average.
Global Integration: Co-sanctioning enabled players to earn Official World Golf Ranking points, improving their international standing.
National Pride: Hosting national opens in Australia and New Zealand fostered patriotic engagement and increased local fan attendance by up to 20%.
Pathway to Majors: Strong performances granted entry into major championships, such as the Open Championship, through qualifying criteria.
Gender Inclusion: While men’s-focused, the tour supported mixed-gender golf development, influencing future Women’s Australian Open expansions.

By blending regional focus with global integration, the 2009 PGA Tour of Australasia strengthened the sport’s footprint in Oceania and provided a model for sustainable, competitive golf development in emerging markets.