What Is 2017 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2017 PGA Tour of Australasia served as the 44th edition of the region’s top-tier professional golf circuit, organized and sanctioned by the PGA of Australia. This tour provided a competitive platform for professional golfers primarily from Australia and New Zealand, with international players also participating in select events.

Spanning from late 2016 into 2017, the season included a mix of domestic and co-sanctioned tournaments, offering Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points and pathways to global tours like the European Tour and PGA Tour. The tour played a vital role in developing regional talent and maintaining competitive standards in the Southern Hemisphere.

• 14 official events were held during the 2017 season, including stops in Australia and the New Zealand Open, contributing to the tour’s regional reach.
• The Emirates Australian Open, held in November 2016, was the highest-earning event with a prize purse of AUD $2 million, attracting top regional and international talent.
• West Australian golfer Curtis Luck claimed the 2017 Order of Merit title with total earnings of AUD $180,332, edging out seasoned competitors.
• Several events were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, including the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship, enhancing global visibility.
• The tour’s structure allowed players to earn Official World Golf Ranking points, crucial for qualifying for major championships and international events.

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 and offers progression to higher-tier tours through performance-based qualification.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points race ranks players by prize money earned in official events. Curtis Luck won the 2017 title with AUD $180,332 in earnings.
• Co-sanctioning Agreements: Events like the Australian PGA Championship were co-sanctioned with the European Tour, increasing prize funds and OWGR points available.
• Eligibility: Professional golfers, including international entries, could compete if they qualified through exemptions, rankings, or qualifying school events.
• Prize Money Distribution: Each event allocated prize money based on finishing position, with winners typically receiving 16–18% of the total purse.
• OWGR Points: Top finishes awarded Official World Golf Ranking points, helping players improve global standing and qualify for majors.
• Season Format: The 2017 season ran from November 2016 to February 2018, with most events clustered between November and January to align with the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key metrics from the 2017 PGA Tour of Australasia and similar tours during the same period:

The 2017 PGA Tour of Australasia ranked modestly in size and prize funds compared to global tours but remained significant for regional player development. Its co-sanctioned events offered disproportionately high OWGR points, making it a strategic tour for golfers aiming to climb international rankings. The relatively compact schedule allowed focused competition during the summer months, benefiting both players and organizers.

Why It Matters

The 2017 PGA Tour of Australasia played a crucial role in the global golf ecosystem by nurturing emerging talent and providing a competitive bridge to elite tours. Its structure and partnerships enabled players from smaller golfing nations to gain exposure and experience at a professional level.

• Pathway to Global Tours: Strong performances granted access to the European Tour and PGA Tour through qualifying criteria and sponsor exemptions.
• Player Development: Young talents like Curtis Luck used the tour as a springboard to international careers, leveraging OWGR points and confidence.
• Economic Impact: Host cities benefited from tourism and media coverage, especially during high-profile events like the Australian Open.
• Regional Identity: The tour reinforced Australasia’s presence in global golf, showcasing local talent and course diversity.
• Co-sanctioning Benefits: Partnerships with larger tours elevated prize money and attracted international competitors, raising overall competition quality.
• Amateur Incentives: Success on this tour inspired junior golfers, increasing participation in grassroots programs across Australia and New Zealand.

By balancing regional focus with global integration, the 2017 PGA Tour of Australasia demonstrated how smaller tours can have outsized influence on player careers and national golf development. Its legacy continues through alumni competing at the highest levels of the sport.