What Is 2020 PGA Tour of Australasia

Overview

The 2020 PGA Tour of Australasia served as the premier men’s professional golf circuit in Australia and New Zealand, marking its 47th official season. Organized by the PGA of Australia, the tour provided a competitive platform for local and international players aiming to gain world ranking points and global exposure.

This season featured a mix of standalone events and co-sanctioned tournaments, including partnerships with the European Tour, which elevated the tour’s prestige. Despite disruptions later in the year due to the global pandemic, the 2020 schedule was largely completed by March 2020, with final standings confirmed before further cancellations.

• 13 official events were held between December 2019 and March 2020 across Australia and New Zealand, forming the core of the season’s competition.
• The season kicked off with the Australian PGA Championship on December 12, 2019, at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane.
• The ISPS Handa Vic Open was co-sanctioned with the European Tour, offering equal prize money for men and women, a groundbreaking move in professional golf.
• Jinichiro Kozuma claimed the Order of Merit title with 834 points, earning status on higher-tier tours for the following season.
• The tour awarded Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, with winners of co-sanctioned events receiving 12–16 points based on field strength.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a developmental and regional tour, offering players a pathway to larger international circuits like the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. Players earn points based on finishes, with rankings influencing eligibility for global events and exemptions.

• Order of Merit: Calculated by total earnings in official events, it determines season-long rankings and tour exemptions for the following year.
• Co-sanctioning: Events like the Vic Open were jointly run with the European Tour, increasing prize money and attracting higher-ranked international players.
• Eligibility: Open to PGA of Australia members and international professionals, with sponsors’ invites allowing emerging talent to participate.
• Scoring Format: Standard 72-hole stroke play; cuts after 36 holes reduce the field to the top 65 players and ties.
• Prize Funds: Ranged from AUD $1.2 million at the Australian Open to AUD $200,000 at smaller domestic events.
• World Rankings: Strong performances earned OWGR points, crucial for qualifying for majors and other global tournaments.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key 2020 PGA Tour of Australasia events with prize money, dates, and winners:

The table highlights the disparity in prize funds and international participation, with events like the Australian Open attracting top-tier talent due to higher stakes and co-sanctioning. Smaller events still played a vital role in player development and regional engagement.

Why It Matters

The 2020 PGA Tour of Australasia played a critical role in the global golf ecosystem, serving as both a proving ground and a springboard for emerging talent. Its structure and partnerships helped bridge the gap between regional and international competition.

• Pathway to global tours: Strong finishes provided access to the DP World Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia exemptions.
• Player development: Young golfers like Min Woo Lee used the tour to gain experience before moving to the European Tour.
• Economic impact: Events generated tourism and local revenue, especially in regional areas like Dunedin and Barwon Heads.
• Gender equality: The Vic Open’s equal pay model set a benchmark for inclusivity in professional sports.
• Global visibility: Co-sanctioning with the European Tour increased media coverage and international recognition.
• Community engagement: Local tournaments fostered grassroots interest and inspired youth participation in golf.

Despite its regional focus, the 2020 season demonstrated the tour’s significance in nurturing talent and promoting innovation in golf administration and equity.