The PGA Professionals Championship, the most prestigious title for Vocational PGA Professionals, is returning to Hamilton Island in 2016 for the fourth consecutive year.

Following the overwhelming success of the tournament since it’s move to one of the most spectacular golfing venues in the world, this year’s championship will be contested from 1-3 November.

This year, Professionals will be vying for an increased prize purse of $55,000 which has been boosted by 10 per cent compared to 2015.

The two leading males from the PGA Professionals Championship Final will receive an invite to play at the 2016 Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resort in December, while the leading female will receive an invite to the 2017 Oates Women’s Vic Open on the ALPG Tour.

Chief Membership Officer for the PGA of Australia, Gavin Kirkman, believes the uniqueness of having male and female Professionals competing side by side, together with a new eligibility criteria, will provide greater opportunities for players.

"Our sport is unique in it’s ability to have males and females compete side by side in the same tournament and this is something the PGA looks forward to showcasing throughout the state championship series." said Kirkman.

The eligibility criteria for this year’s tournament has also been expanded and will see leading Club and Teaching Professionals joined by those in management positions, who may or may not be working in the golf industry.

"Our role is to provide PGA Professionals with the ability to exhibit their skills whilst doing something they love and we are confident that by opening up the eligibility criteria this can be even further enhanced," Kirkman said.

Six State PGA Professionals Championships will be held around Australia over the coming months providing Professionals with the opportunity to qualify for the PGA Professionals Championship National Final, on the Peter Thomson designed Hamilton Island Golf Course.

The State PGA Professionals Championships will again see both male and female PGA Professionals competing alongside each other, vying for one of the 50 positions available throughout the country.

Two female Professionals made it through to Hamilton Island last year and it is hoped this number will increase in 2016, particularly with the opportunity for the leading female to receive an invite to the 2017 Oates Women’s Vic Open.

Along with a place in the PGA Professionals Championship, the winner of each state tournament will be crowned State Champion and will receive complimentary return airfares to Hamilton Island, plus an invite to their respective State PGA Championship on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

The PGA Professionals Championship also provides an opportunity for 52 amateurs to compete alongside the Professionals in the Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Championship.

Further information on the Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Championship can be found via the Hamilton Island Golf Club.

Related links

Schedule / PGA Professionals Championship