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Burly Queenslander Sam Slater is poised to erase the heartbreak of a playoff defeat 12 months ago as six players finished day one of the World Sand Greens Championship tied for the lead at Binalong Community Club.
Five-under 65 was the lowest anyone could go in Round 1, Slater to enter Sunday’s final round level with a pair of veterans in Josh Younger and Matt Stieger, West Australian Adam Hatch and New South Wales pair Andrew Brennan and Mark Panapolous.
There are a further eight players just one stroke further back at 4-under and a total of 33 players within three strokes of the top of the leaderboard.
It took something special for Slater to finish level with Brett Rankin at Binalong a year ago but he was unable to replicate it in the playoff.
An eagle at his opening hole, the par-5 17th, was the perfect way for Slater to reacquaint himself with the sand scrapes of Binalong, closing out his round with consecutive birdies at 15 and 16 to earn a share of the lead.
“It’s where I wanted to be, right up the top,” Slater said.
“I’d love to be holding that trophy tomorrow. My strategy is probably a bit different: I just try to hit it as far as possible and as close as possible. It makes life a lot easier.
“The sand greens are both fun and frustrating, you just have to accept it for what it is and enjoy it.”
For Brennan, it was a steady but satisfying round on a layout that demands patience.
“It was pretty cruisy, actually,” he said.
“I got the tough holes out of the way early and then managed to hold a few putts. I made a couple of soft bogeys, but I scrambled well. Around 100 metres in was definitely the strength today. That gave me easy up-and-downs, which is so important on sand greens. If you miss in the wrong spot, it’s so easy to make a big number.”
Brennan grew up in Walcha and said competing on sand greens again brought back old memories.
“I grew up playing all the state sand green tournaments as a junior,” he said.
“It feels good to be back, honestly. I missed it. Last year I finished around 30th, so to be equal leader this time is pretty cool. I’ve never been in this position before, never had cameras on me, but I’m looking forward to it. My goal is just to enjoy it, I had a few years off, so I’m over the moon to be playing golf again.”
Stieger also drew on childhood experience. The Bellata product made a late surge with an eagle-birdie-par finish.
“I grew up on sand greens, so it feels a little bit like being back home,” he said.
“They’re small targets, I probably only hit seven greens all day. But I made the most of them and finished with a nice flurry. The vibe here is unbelievable. These country clubs thrive on events like this, and the course is in amazing condition.”
He admitted he arrived at Binalong with confidence.
“I’ve been playing really well lately,” he said.
“I’ve got a baby due in six weeks, so I’m trying to make the most of my golf while I can. A win here would be a great little baby bonus.”
Round two will begin at 9am Sunday morning with the action broadcast live on Kayo Sports from 11am.
– Kassidy Rogan, Golf NSW
He returned to his roots and rediscovered his love of the game so expect Zach Murray to feel right at home at the World Sand Greens Championship starting Saturday at Binalong Community Club.
The village of Binalong in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales has a population a tick over 500 but will welcome a field of 95 professional and amateur golfers for the second straight year.
There is an international flavour to this year’s event with players from Scotland and America in addition to players from across the country who are regulars on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.
A two-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia, Murray has reverted to some old ways in pursuit of his first win since the 2019 New Zealand Open.
Playing out of the Thurgoona Country Club Resort just on the New South Wales side of the border with Victoria, Murray has begun flooding his social channels with expeditions to country courses.
He has popped in at Mount Beauty Golf Club, Bright Country Golf Club and a host of others along the Murray River, clearing his wind while expanding his creativity, creativity that is a necessity at Binalong.
“Honestly just trust what I’ve done, trust the work that I’ve put into try and get back to the way that I grew up playing,” said Murray.
“I’ve just been on the golf course pretty much for the last three months. I’ve hardly really analysed too much about my game. I just wanted to have a fresh start this year.
“This is going to be my seventh year as a pro. I’ve learned a lot and sometimes when you’re chasing your tail, you don’t let those life lessons actually come through.
“I feel like I’ve managed to find a way to calm myself and then get myself up when I need to. It’s been good. It’s working.
“Who knows how long it’ll last, but I’m enjoying my golf again, which is the main thing.”
Although Brett Rankin is not back to defend his title, there are no shortage of contenders vying for the lion’s share of the $140,000 prizemoney.
South Australian Lachlan Barker comes in on the back of a confidence-building win at the Queanbeyan Regional Qualifier during the week while Ben Henkel and Will Bruyeres were both winners on the 2024-2025 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season.
Nathan Barbieri has been knocking on the door of a big win all season, Legends Tour regular Scott Barr continues to be competitive amongst the young guys and Tim Hart has won countless tournaments on country courses.
Round 1 tees off with a shotgun start from 9am on Saturday. The final round will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports from 11am Sunday.
Rolex has announced a new five-year partnership with Golf Australia, encompassing the men’s and women’s Australian Opens. Simultaneously, Rolex has further cemented its involvement in professional golf through an expanded Premier Partnership with the PGA of Australia – now incorporating the Australian WPGA Championship.
Rolex continues as the Official Timekeeper for the BMW Australian PGA Championship, and as a Major Partner of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia.
As the season draws near, the iconic Rolex clock will be featured beside the first tee at the BMW Australian PGA Championship (Nov 27-30) and men’s Australian Open (December 4-7).
Commenting on the new five-year partnership, Rolex Australia General Manager Benoit Falletti said: “Golf embodies values Rolex holds dear – respect for tradition, precision, perseverance, and sporting excellence. We are honoured to continue this journey with Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia, and the WPGA.”
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland echoed these sentiments, stating: “Rolex has been synonymous with excellence, tradition, and innovation in golf for decades. We are proud to welcome Rolex as a partner of Golf Australia, and know that their generous commitment will further elevate Australia’s major men’s and women’s tournaments and aid us in our endeavours to inspire more Australians to play more golf.”
PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said: “We’re delighted that Rolex’s partnership with Australian golf now encompasses all four of our major events, as well as the ongoing partnership with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and WPGA Tour of Australasia. Rolex is a tremendous supporter of our game worldwide and it’s exciting for all of us that their commitment to golf in our region continues to grow.”
Rolex’s rich heritage in the field of golf includes partnerships with esteemed tournaments, tours, and governing bodies worldwide – including The Open, the Masters Tournament, the PGA TOUR, the Professional Golfers Association of America, The Ryder Cup, the United States Golf Association, the DP World Tour and the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour – and support for legendary players including Australian greats Adam Scott and Jason Day, and former Australian Open champions Joaquin Niemann and Jordan Spieth.
This extended partnership will enhance tournament delivery, improve experiences for players and fans, and continue to elevate Australia’s standing in the global golfing community.
ABOUT ROLEX AND GOLF
Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. For almost 60 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with Golf through partnerships with elite athletes, world-class events and leading organizations, and champions the highest standards of performance in all its activities.
The long-standing partnership began in 1967, when Arnold Palmer, joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, became the brand’s first golfing Testimonees. Known together as The Big Three, these legendary players changed the face of golf forever, and their partnership with Rolex marked the beginning of a relationship based on the shared commitment to continuous improvement and unwavering precision. Since then, the affiliation has grown and flourished, permeating every level of the game worldwide. From elite players and golf legends to all the major championships, where success represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport, as well as the foremost professional tours, international team events and amateur championships, Rolex is ever-present.
Rolex is deeply committed to the amateur game, and its values, which includes an association with the elite amateur tournaments across the globe. The Swiss manufacturer’s support of golf and its custodians is built on a strong sense of integrity and respect for tradition that promote the continuity of expertise and transfer of knowledge, and an understanding of the importance of investing in the sport’s development for future generations.
ABOUT ROLEX
AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word ‘Perpetual’ is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components. A fifth site, also in Switzerland, is under construction and is expected to open in 2029. Rolex carries out its own manufacturing operations, from casting the gold alloys to machining, crafting, assembling and finishing the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
ABOUT GOLF AUSTRALIA
Golf Australia is the national governing body for golf, responsible for fostering the game’s growth, accessibility, and long-term success across the country. Its vision is to ensure golf is a sport for all – welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring Australians of every age and background to participate, whether for competition, recreation, or social connection.
Through its stewardship, Golf Australia delivers programs and initiatives that support players from grassroots through to the elite level. It manages national participation pathways, junior development programs, community engagement, and school partnerships, while also investing in women’s, Indigenous, and all-abilities golf. At the high performance level, Golf Australia supports Australia’s leading professional and amateur players, providing resources, coaching, and international competition opportunities to help them succeed on the global stage.
Golf Australia is also the custodian of some of the nation’s most prestigious tournaments, including the men’s Australian Open, women’s Australian Open, the adidas Australian Amateur Championships, and other marquee events that showcase the sport at its highest level. In collaboration with industry partners, state and territory associations, clubs, and facilities, it works to deliver memorable experiences for players, fans, and communities alike.
ABOUT PGA OF AUSTRALIA
The PGA of Australia is a not-for-profit Member-based organisation representing both Tournament Professionals and the Club Professionals who form the cornerstone of the industry, working in golf facilities throughout Australia and overseas. PGA Members play an integral role in servicing more than 3.5 million Australians who play golf in all its forms each year. The PGA of Australia also owns and manages the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia which is a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. The BMW Australian PGA Championship, Australian Open and New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sports are just a few of our sanctioned tournaments that carry Official World Golf Ranking Points. To ensure the Australian golf industry maintains its position as one of the best in the world, the PGA of Australia provides industry specific training and education opportunities for those seeking to start, advance or consolidate their career in the golf industry.
In-form Jay Mackenzie has emerged victorious at the South Coast Open Regional Qualifier at Catalina Club to guarantee a place in the 2025 Ford NSW Open.
Mackenzie held his nerve to finish at 11-under par, edging out a competitive field by a single stroke after leading by as many as five shots during the final round.
After a course record 62 on Thursday, Mackenzie’s second round began with a blistering start, birdieing the first, third, and sixth holes to reach 13-under through the front nine.
He continued his momentum with another birdie early on the back nine, but the pressure of the moment began to take its toll. Bogeys on the 12th, 14th, and 17th holes narrowed his lead with a par needed at the last to secure the title.
“I was leaking a bit of oil coming in,” Mackenzie admitted after the round.
“I wasn’t playing that well, but my score yesterday definitely got me over the line. That back nine was rough, but I’m lucky to get the win.”
Mackenzie’s final score of 11-under was just enough to fend off Sydney’s Alexander Simpson, who finished second at 10-under after posting back-to-back rounds of 67.
For Mackenzie, the win was not only a personal triumph but also a relief.
“I didn’t know if I’d be getting in (the NSW Open) or not, so it’s nice to get over the line,” he said.
“I’ve played The Vintage before, it’s a great course, and I’m really looking forward to teeing it up there.”
When asked about how he managed the pressure during the final round, Mackenzie was candid.
“I’ve never really felt like that on the golf course. I had no idea what was going on. Maybe I should find something to help stay calm,” he joked.
As for celebrations, Mackenzie kept it simple: “Might go for a swim in the ocean. That’s about it. We’ve got to head to Queanbeyan tomorrow.”
Joining Mackenzie in qualifying for the Ford NSW Open were Nathan Page of Victoria and WA’s Joseph Owen. Page matched Simpson’s -10 total, while Owen finished at -9 after two bogey-free rounds.
“It feels great,” said Owen.
“That was definitely the goal, to get one of those spots. I hit the ball pretty well and was bogey-free both rounds, which is pretty cool. My putting was solid. I had a few good looks coming in that just didn’t drop, but overall, it was a really solid two days.”
Page, who made a strong comeback after a modest opening round, reflected on his performance with a mix of surprise and satisfaction.
“It feels good. A little unexpected, given I only shot 4-under yesterday, but I was able to get it rolling today. It’s always good to be part of the NSW Open,” he said.
The final regional qualifier for the 2025 Ford NSW Open will take place on Monday at Queanbeyan Golf Club.
South Coast Open RQ – Final Scores
Photo: Joseph Owen, Jay Mackenzie and Nathan Page secured their spots for the 2025 Ford NSW Open.
Lucas Herbert will defend his Ford NSW Open title in November before setting his sights on the 2025 men’s Australian Open, where he was today confirmed alongside a number of other marquee names headed for The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in December.
After claiming the Ford NSW Open on the Murray River last year having come close to winning the Kel Nagle Cup as a young pro, Herbert will hope his success travels north to The Vintage in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley from November 13-16.
Beating out a field including his Ripper GC captain Cam Smith in 2024, Herbert claimed his first Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia win at Golf NSW’s premier men’s event before adding his fifth professional win this year at the 2025 International Series Japan on the Asian Tour.
“Getting a win on your home Tour is something special, and to achieve that goal at the Ford NSW Open last year after some close calls earlier in my career was really special,” Hebert said.
“It is such an historic event and to join that honour roll was amazing. I’d love to do something similar at the Australian Open this year as well.”
Adding to the already announced Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy, Cam Davis and Marc Leishman in the field at the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour co-sanctioned event, Herbert will be joined by some other stars of the game at Royal Melbourne from December 4-7.
Smith, Min Woo Lee, Ryan Fox and Kazuma Kobori, who have all previously committed to the BMW Australian PGA Championship, also now locked in for the Australian Open.
Finishing tied for fifth last year at Kingston Heath and Victoria golf clubs, Herbert will play the Australian Open for the eighth time, with his seven previous starts remarkably only including one finish outside the top 25.
Starting his national Open career when he drove 11 hours overnight to Monday qualify in Sydney in 2014, Herbert now owns four top-10s at the Australian Open, with the offer of invites to The Open Championship and The Masters for this year’s Open champion an added bonus to returning home this year.
“Having those opportunities to play majors next year is a nice reward for playing well, but I am just so excited about playing the Australian Open in Melbourne again and especially at Royal Melbourne for the first time,” Herbert said.
“It is such a great golf course and tournament venue, and being right in the mix last year, I very much want to get the Stonehaven Cup in my hands and feel like I have a great chance this year.”
A one-time winner on the PGA TOUR, three-time champion on the DP World Tour and part of the LIV Golf Team Championship winning Ripper GC side in 2024, the 29-year-old will tee it up at home having married his wife Erika earlier in the year with more celebrations set for December.
“Contending at the Australian Open, and defending the NSW Open, would be the perfect way to end a pretty great year on and off the course for me,” he said.
Hailing from Bendigo in Victoria’s north, Herbert made his 16th career major championship start at this year’s Open Championship and, like all his teammates, is a huge supporter of the new partnership seeing Golf Australia’s junior program rebranded as MyGolf powered by Ripper GC.
“Watching Lucas play the Australian Open, and get himself into contention so often, you can tell how much the tournament means to him, and we are thrilled to have him in the field at Royal Melbourne this year,” Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
“The men’s Australian Open will also be our first chance to activate with the members of Ripper GC since our MyGolf partnership and I think it will be a tremendous experience for the players and kids alike.”
Finishing tied for eighth and runner-up in his two previous Ford NSW Open starts before winning, Herbert’s inclusion at The Vintage will allow people in another part of regional New South Wales the chance to see him take on the best of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia up close.
“Golf NSW is thrilled that Lucas is going to defend his Ford NSW Open title,” Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser said.
“This year’s event promises to be even bigger than last year, being in the Hunter Valley, with free entry and watching an in-form Lucas Herbert take on the best the Aussie Tour has to offer.”
Tickets for the 2025 men’s Australian Open are on sale now at www.ticketek.com.au
The men’s Australian Open is supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.
Cameron Davis will end 2025 at home when the New South Welshman tees it up at BMW Australian PGA Championship in Queensland and men’s Australian Open in Victoria later this year.
A winner of the Australian Open in 2017 in his hometown of Sydney as a relative unknown quantity to many, Davis is now as a two-time PGA TOUR winner and Presidents Cup representative with a strong record in both Australian majors.
To be played from November 27-30 at Royal Queensland Golf Club, the BMW Australian PGA has been one of Davis’ favourite hunting grounds in recent years with the 30-year-old finishing in the top-10 each of his last four starts.
Tied for sixth last year behind Elvis Smylie in Brisbane, Davis joins his fellow PGA TOUR winners Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Min Woo Lee, Marc Leishman and Ryan Fox in the field this year, with the tournament again co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour.
“There is clearly something about Royal Queensland and the BMW Australian PGA I like, so I’m really looking forward to having another good week there in November and hopefully this time get my hands on the trophy,” Davis said.
“It is so much fun to be able to come home and play some great tournaments at the end of the year and the Queensland fans are definitely a highlight of that experience each and every year.”
Eight years removed from lifting the Stonehaven Cup, the 2017 Australian Open champion will play his national Open on the famed Royal Melbourne Composite Course for the first time from December 4-7, but the Sydneysider is far from unfamiliar with Australia’s top-ranked layout.
Still an amateur at the time, a then 19-year-old Davis equalled the 63-year-old course record of Tom Crow across Royal Melbourne’s West Course, that has 12 of its holes in play in the Composite Course that will host the Australian Open, when he navigated the course in 63 shots in 2015.
Davis again enjoyed Royal Melbourne in 2022 when he won Geoff Ogilvy’s Sandbelt Invitational in 2022, with the former adidas Australian Amateur hoping to use his experience against a field that includes Scott, Smith, Lee, Leishman, Fox and career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy.
“Royal Melbourne is just such a special place and I can’t wait to the play the Aussie Open there for the first time, and hopefully some of my previous success there translates when we get this December,” Davis said.
“As an Australian, and former winner, the tournament obviously means so much to me and it has been great to see the increased interest around the world as it goes to Royal Melbourne and with Rory coming down.”
Davis qualified for the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs earlier this year and will no doubt use his time at home to impress International Team Captain Geoff Ogilvy as he chases a second Presidents Cup appearance next year.
“Cam has been successful at every step in his career and we love seeing him home each year and support the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia. His world class game ensures that he rarely disappoints and is nearly always in contention when on home shores,” General Manager of Tournaments & Global Tour Relationships for the PGA of Australia Nick Dastey said.
“With four straight top 10 finishes, he clearly loves playing in Queensland and the Royal Queensland layout, it will be a surprise to no one if Cam is in the hunt for the Kirkwood Cup again this year.”
Davis is set to play the Australian Open for a ninth time, and make his eighth consecutive appearance when he returns to the Melbourne Sandbelt.
“Cam is a great example of the development programs in Australia, becoming an elite amateur and winning the adidas Australian Amateur and then claiming the Australian Open just two years later and he is a marvellous addition to the Australian Open field,” Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
“Having his name on an honour board at Royal Melbourne suggests Cam will be in the hunt again this year at what is shaping to be our biggest national Open in recent memory.”
Tickets for the BMW Australian PGA Championship and men’s Australian Open are on sale now at www.ticketek.com.au
The BMW Australian PGA Championship is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
The men’s Australian Open is supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.
Having already enjoyed a win and playing in two major championships in 2025, Marc Leishman is about to turn his attention to Australia and three tournaments in three states – the BMW Australian PGA Championship in Queensland, Australian Open in Victoria and Nexus Advisernet Bowra & O’Dea WA Open.
A constant presence on leaderboards at the “Australian Majors”, Leishman is a six-time winner on the PGA TOUR, with a DP World Tour victory to his credit as well as his victory in Miami at this year’s LIV Golf League event.
He was the lone Australian to make the cut at The Open Championship and shared 38th at the US Open and this year will start his Australian swing with an appearance in Western Australia at the recently renovated Mount Lawley Golf Club from October 16-19. Leishman the latest example of overseas-based players expanding their presence on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.
“The BMW Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open are two of my favourite events on the calendar each year, like they are for all the Aussie players. I’m also so excited to be playing the WA Open at Mount Lawley, a course that I’ve heard plenty about,” Leishman said.
“Winning at home would mean a lot to me, and to have three chances to do that before the end of the year is very exciting,” the Victorian said.
“I have played some pretty good golf so far in 2025, so looking forward to bringing some form back to Australia and trying to get some more silverware before Christmas.”
A product of Warrnambool on the southern coast of Victoria, Leishman’s family holidayed in Queensland throughout his youth and 2024 saw him come close to capturing the BMW Australian PGA Championship before finishing in a tie for third behind winner Elvis Smylie.
Third alone at Royal Queensland Golf Club the year prior, the 41-year-old clearly enjoys the layout and the conditions in the ‘Sunshine State’ where he will be joining Smylie and his fellow past winners of the Kirkwood Cup Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott and Leishman’s Ripper GC captain Cam Smith in the field from November 27-30.
“The Aussie PGA has always been a great event, and I love spending time in Queensland, with RQ a great tournament venue that I have a lot of fond memories of,” Leishman said.
Playing in his 16th Australian PGA, with 10 top-20 finishes already to his name, Leishman, Smylie, Lee, Scott and Smith will head the Australian challenge against an international field including PGA TOUR winner Ryan Fox, with the tournament again co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour.
“Marc has been a consistent supporter of the BMW Australian PGA Championship and with his lead in form, including a win and play at The Open, 2025 could be the year he etches his name on the Joe Kirkwood Cup,” PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said.
“We are thrilled Marc is returning home again and it is also very exciting to see him play an expanded schedule in Australia and support the growth of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.”
Playing his first Australian Open at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club from December 4-7, Leishman has plenty of experience on the Melbourne Sandbelt from his days playing Pennant golf, while he was also part of Ernie Els’ International Team at the venue for the 2019 Presidents Cup.
“The Composite Course at Royal Melbourne is one of the best golf courses in the world, and I’m so excited to get the chance to play an Australian Open there for the first time this year,” Leishman said.
“The Sandbelt is so special and it is different to any style of golf, so I am hoping my experience there and style of play will help me challenge for the Stonehaven Cup again.”
Leishman, who made his Australian Open debut in 2003, will make his 15th start at his national Open and hope to become the first local winner since 2019 in a field that includes reigning Masters Champion and career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy.
“Every day we get closer to the start of the 2025 men’s Australian Open it seems the anticipation rises a little more, and Marc’s news only adds to that. He wasn’t far away from winning last year, and as a Victorian, he gives local fans another player to cheer on around Royal Melbourne,” Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
“Marc’s played some great golf this last year, and I’m sure he is a big chance to contend for the Stonehaven Cup again in 2025.”
Following the Australian Open, Leishman will contest the Cathedral Invitational at the renowned Cathedral Lodge and Golf Club alongside Scott and PGA of Australia Chair Ian Baker-Finch.
Tickets for the BMW Australian PGA Championship and men’s Australian Open are on sale now at www.ticketek.com.au
The BMW Australian PGA Championship is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
The men’s Australian Open is supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.
Kayo SPORTS, the PGA of Australia and Golf Australia, have signed a multi-year extension that will see every upcoming event of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season streamed live on Kayo SPORTS, and available on Foxtel.
This includes all four rounds of the Australian men’s majors – the men’s Australian Open, featuring Masters champion Rory McIlroy, and the BMW Australian PGA Championship – as well as every round of the Australian women’s majors, the women’s Australian Open and Australian WPGA Championship.
Foxtel Group Head of Content Acquisitions Marissa Banu-Lawrence said: “We’re passionate about bringing our Kayo SPORTS subscribers the very best golf has to offer which ranks among our most popular sports.
“Through our long-standing partnership with Australian Golf we are bringing fans every thrilling moment from Australia’s men’s and women’s premier golf tournaments, demonstrating our commitment to offering not just breadth of sport but depth, quality, and premium coverage.”
PGA of Australia and Golf Australia Chief Commercial Officer Michael McDonald said the extension ensures all tournaments remain widely accessible.
“We’re delighted to have signed this multi-year extension with Kayo SPORTS and Foxtel the home of professional golf in Australia,” he said.
“The Chase Is On again in the 2025/26 Challenger PGA of Australasia season as we showcase our best professionals, including major championship winners and the next generation of stars, in tournaments on some of Australasia’s great golf courses.
“From October through to April, there’s a tournament almost every weekend for fans to watch and enjoy, highlighted by our four majors either side of Christmas-New Year.”
Highlights from the tour include:
The standalone women’s Australian Open and the WPGA Championship will form part of a stellar month of women’s golf alongside the Ford Women’s NSW Open and the Australian Women’s Classic, with the Ladies European Tour and WPGA Tour of Australasia co-sanctioned events all available on Kayo SPORTS and Foxtel.
In addition, the Australian PGA Senior Championship, the NSW Senior Open and all Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifiers will be available to watch.
Kayo SPORTS is the home of golf with all four men’s major golf tournaments – the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship and the PGA Championship – all five women’s major Championships, international golf tours and tournaments including the LPGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour, Ladies European Tour, Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and more complementing the Australian golf events.
Foxtel customers will also enjoy the depth and breadth of golf on offer.
Ronald Stewart earned bragging rights as the best golfer in the Brisbane jockey ranks by defeating a field that included Melbourne Cup winner Robbie Dolan in the inaugural BMW Australian PGA Jockey Challenge.
Contested at Royal Queensland Golf Club, which will host this year’s BMW Australian PGA Championship from November 27-30, Stewart shot a round of 89 to beat fellow Nudgee Golf Club member Dolan by a single shot.
A winner of 97 races across his career, Stewart is a 16 handicapper who, like many of his jockey mates, has developed a strong love of golf.
The highlight of his round was a birdie at the par-4 second hole.
“I’ve had a couple of broken ribs, so it’s good to get out back on the course and I’ve surprised myself today,” Stewart said.
“I haven’t hit a ball for six or seven weeks.
“It’s been a real pleasure to play a golf course like this one. I was lucky enough to get out here before the Australian PGA last year and it just helped having that experience going around it once, knowing where to go, especially around the greens.
“We’re all pretty competitive, so it’s good to get one up on the others today.”
Dolan, who has reduced his handicap from 18 to 12 in the past year despite all the extra attention and off-track appearances a Melbourne Cup-winning jockey receives, could have forced a countback had he parred his final hole, a bogey leaving him one short of his good mate.
“I didn’t play like a 12 handicap today, but I still had a bit of fun,” Dolan said.
“My handicap has come down quickly. I’ve probably almost come down too quickly because I’m probably not playing to my handicap, but I am just really enjoying it.
“I’d love to get down to at least single digits. That’d be pretty cool. Whether I have the ability or not, I’m not sure.
“I’d probably need to go and get a few lessons just to help me to that single digit mark.”
The BMW Australian PGA Jockey Challenge was held in conjunction with the Brisbane Racing Club
Melbourne Cup winner Robbie Dolan in action at Royal Queensland
Chasing a fourth BMW Australian PGA Championship title and second in his home city of Brisbane, Cameron Smith is the latest Australian superstar to confirm his place at Royal Queensland Golf Club from November 27-30 this year.
The definition of a “hometown hero” every time he tees it up in his home state of Queensland, Smith will look to add another Kirkwood Cup to his trophy cabinet alongside the titles he won in 2017 and 2018 on the Gold Coast and 2022 victory at RQ, one of his home clubs.
“It is no secret I love playing in Brisbane in front of the Aussie fans, who are among the best in the world, and the BMW Australian PGA is without question one of my favourite events on the schedule each year,” Smith said.
A major champion courtesy of his memorable finish at The Old Course of St Andrews in 2022 when claiming the 150th Open Championship, Smith is a 12-time winner as a professional, including three LIV Golf victories and one team championship as the captain of Ripper GC.
Seeking to join Robert Allenby as a four-time winner, and continue the chase of Bill Dunk (five) and Kel Nagle (six) on the list of most BMW Australian PGA titles, Smith joins defending champion Elvis Smylie, two-time winner Adam Scott, 2023 champion Min Woo Lee and 2025 Canadian Open champion Ryan Fox as confirmed starters.
Playing the tournament for the 11th time, having already amassed eight top-20s including last year’s runner-up finish to Smylie, the 32-year-old will play competitively at home for the first time since becoming a father earlier this year.
Smith, like his fellow returning Australian stars, loves the boisterous Queensland crowds who are one of the highlights of the Sunshine State’s premier golf event.
“The crowds are always incredible at the Aussie PGA, especially for the locals like myself. Their support combined with love of golf is great to see and the party hole is a fun place to be every round,” he said.
One of the highlights of the first half of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia 2025/26 season, and offering an increased prize purse of $2.5 million, the BMW Australian PGA Championship is again co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour.
“Cam is not only a champion golfer, but a champion person, and one of our most popular Australian players ever and we are thrilled to have him returning again to contest the BMW Australian PGA Championship,” PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said.
“With three wins already, Cam has the opportunity to join a truly elite club of four-time winners of the Kirkwood Cup this year and given his experience around Royal Queensland, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he is in the mix again late on Sunday afternoon.
“Our fans love seeing our overseas-based players return home, and I’m certain everyone involved in golf in Australia is exceptionally excited by Cam being back in Brisbane this November.”
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell MP, said: “Cam coming home to Brisbane is always a massive drawcard. As a future Olympic city, we’re thrilled to welcome back one of our most iconic athletes to one of our most iconic venues.
“Events like the BMW Australian PGA Championship are a powerful reminder of what sport delivers for our state, from packed hotels and buzzing restaurants to jobs, investment and unforgettable memories. They’re a win for our economy and a win for Queenslanders which is why they are a major pillar of our visionary 20=year tourism plan Destination 2045.”
Queensland Minister for Sport, Racing, and the Olympics and Paralympics Tim Mander said that locking in Cameron Smith’s inclusion in the tournament will be a huge boost for golf in Queensland.
“Cameron Smith is a champion on and off the course, and his return to Royal Queensland this year will be a huge highlight on our events calendar,” Minister Mander said.
“There’s nothing Queenslanders love more than a local legend who represents Queensland on the world stage, and we can’t wait to see him tee it up at the Australian PGA Championship this year.
“As we approach the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we want to bring as much attention to Queensland’s major sporting events as possible, and having world renowned players like Cameron chasing the Kirkwood Cup in our own backyard will inspire Queensland’s next generation of golfers.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Cam Smith’s return to his hometown of Brisbanewould elevate the event’s already exciting line-up.
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, where our major events create even more to see and do across the city and suburbs,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We are thrilled Cam Smith will join a world-class field to tee off at a must-see event for both local and visiting golf fans.
“This tournament will deliver benefits well beyond the fairways – boosting Brisbane’s economy, supporting local jobs, and showcasing the best of our city’s lifestyle to the world.”
The BMW Australian PGA Championship is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
Tickets are available at www.ticketek.com.au
