The Australian PGA Championship is to become part of the European Tour schedule for the 2016 season following a co-sanctioning agreement with the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Played at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, on Australia’s Gold Coast, the AU$1.75million tournament, which is the oldest and most prestigious tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia, will be part of the 2016 Race to Dubai. It will take place from December 3-6, 2015 a fortnight after the 2015 campaign concludes at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
The European Tour will receive 60 spots in the tournament, and in an arrangement with the Sunshine Tour, 30 of those positions will be granted to Sunshine Tour membership. The PGA Tour of Australasia will receive 72 spots the tournament. In addition, there will be eight tournament invitations, six qualifying positions and three positions for PGA Vocational Members.
In addition to the first prize of AU$315,000, the winner of Australian PGA Championship will be granted exemption into the European Tour’s flagship event, the 2016 BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth Club.
Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of International Policy, said: “The relationship between The European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia continues to flourish and our partnership will continue to bear fruit over the coming years. We are delighted to assist in elevating this Championship and providing the opportunity for European Tour and Sunshine Tour members to play in this great event.”