What Is 2016 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2016 PGA Tour of Australasia served as the premier men's professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand, organized by PGA of Australia. It represented the 43rd edition of the tour, maintaining its status as a crucial developmental and competitive platform for Southern Hemisphere golfers.

Running from November 2015 through November 2016, the season featured 20 official events, including co-sanctioned tournaments with international tours. The tour provided vital ranking points for qualification into major championships and the Race to Dubai series.

• Season Duration: The tour officially spanned from November 2015 to November 2016, encompassing events across Australia, New Zealand, and nearby Pacific regions.
• Order of Merit Winner: Dylan Frittelli claimed the top spot with A$183,735 in earnings, edging out strong competition from homegrown talent.
• Flagship Event: The Emirates Australian Open, held at The Lakes Golf Club, offered a total purse of US$1.5 million and attracted international stars.
• Co-Sanctioning: Seven tournaments were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, increasing global exposure and prize incentives for participants.
• Development Role: The tour served as a critical stepping stone for emerging golfers aiming to qualify for the PGA Tour or DP World Tour.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a season-long competition where players earn ranking points and prize money based on tournament finishes. The structure supports player development while maintaining competitive integrity across diverse courses and conditions.

• Order of Merit: This ranking is based on prize money earned in official events; the leader at season's end is crowned champion, as seen with Dylan Frittelli in 2016.
• Eligibility: Professional golfers from Australia, New Zealand, and international players can compete, provided they meet entry criteria set by PGA of Australia.
• Tournament Format: Events typically follow a 72-hole stroke play format, with cuts after 36 holes to narrow the field to the top performers.
• Co-Sanctioning Agreements: Partnerships with the European Tour allow Australasian events to count toward multiple tours’ rankings, boosting prestige and participation.
• World Ranking Points: Select events award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, helping players improve their global standing and qualify for majors.
• Prize Funds: Purses varied by event, with the Australian Open offering US$1.5 million and smaller events averaging A$100,000–A$150,000.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key 2016 PGA Tour of Australasia events with other major tours in terms of structure, prize money, and global integration.

This table highlights how the 2016 PGA Tour of Australasia compares in scale and financial reach. While smaller than the PGA or European Tours, its co-sanctioning deals and role in player development give it outsized importance in the global golf ecosystem.

Why It Matters

The 2016 PGA Tour of Australasia played a pivotal role in shaping careers and expanding golf’s footprint in the Southern Hemisphere. Its integration with international tours elevated competitive standards and visibility.

• Pathway to Majors: Strong performances granted access to major championships via OWGR points and qualifying criteria.
• Player Development: Young golfers like Min Woo Lee used the tour to gain experience before moving to larger circuits.
• Economic Impact: Events generated significant tourism and local revenue, especially in regional Australian and New Zealand communities.
• Global Integration: Co-sanctioning with the European Tour helped align Australasia with global golf standards.
• Media Exposure: Broadcast deals increased visibility, with events streamed internationally and covered by major sports networks.
• Legacy Building: The tour continues to produce world-class talent, reinforcing Australia and New Zealand as key golf regions.

By blending local competitiveness with global opportunities, the 2016 season exemplified the tour’s enduring relevance in professional golf.