February 23rd, 2026
By Australian Golf Digest
In our ongoing series with Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland, our readers get clarity on golf’s most pertinent issues
After a wildly successful Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, how do you follow that at Kingston Heath (other than get Cam Smith across the line!)? – Marc Crofts, via e-mail
It’s a great challenge to have, and one we’re embracing with a lot of optimism and ambition.
The 2025 men’s Australian Open at Royal Melbourne set a new benchmark in attendances and public interest. From the outset, the sight of more than 3,000 fans lining up at 6:30 on a Thursday morning to watch Rory McIlroy hit the opening tee shot was a sign of things to come. The atmosphere across the week, with packed grandstands and six-deep fairways, genuinely looked and felt like a major. Pleasingly, the nature and scale of the tournament was noticed well beyond our shores, and this will stand us in good stead as we look to build a field and attract further partner support for the 2026 event.
That visibility matters. One of our key objectives is to ensure the Australian Open is seen by global players as a tournament they want to be part of, not just because of the history or the course (though they are important), but because of the atmosphere, the crowds and the sense that this is a championship that matters. The 2025 championship at Royal Melbourne showed what’s possible and has set a high bar for us. Rather than being daunted by this challenge, we are excited by the opportunity it presents. Kingston Heath presents a different stage, but as one of the world’s great golf courses, we know that the venue will again hold great attraction for the players.
Our focus will be to improve on each aspect of our proven formula: a world-class course, elite talent and the best possible fan experience. We are confident that Kingston Heath this December will be another step up for our national championship and a great celebration of Australian golf. With tickets selling out across the weekend last year, we’re encouraging fans to visit golf.com.au and secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
And yes, if it comes down to the final putt of the tournament again, with an Australian lifting the Stonehaven Cup this time, that would be a fairytale finish.
Will the Women’s Australian Open ever be co-sanctioned with the LPGA again? – Luke Johnston,
via e-mail
The short answer is that we never say never, but our current focus is firmly on building strength, depth and momentum through our partnership with the Ladies European Tour (LET).
Right now, the women’s Australian Open sits at the heart of a very strong WPGA Tour of Australasia schedule. In 2026, that includes nearly $5 million in prizemoney, events across five states and a run of four consecutive LET co-sanctioned tournaments, giving Australian players meaningful international competition on home soil.
This structure is incredibly important. Co-sanctioning isn’t just about the logo on the leaderboard, it’s about creating pathways. Our partnership with the LET allows Australian players to earn overseas status, compete against global talent, and build momentum without needing to leave the country for extended periods. That continuity is critical for player development and for strengthening our domestic tour.
The Australian Open at Kooyonga Golf Club this month will be a centerpiece of that run. With $1.7 million in prizemoney, a world-class venue and the return of stars like Minjee Lee, Hannah Green and Grace Kim, it is firmly positioned as one of the most prestigious women’s events outside the majors.
Of course, we continue to maintain a strong relationship with the LPGA, and we keep all options under review as the global calendar evolves. But our responsibility is to make decisions that best serve Australian players and the long-term health of women’s golf here.
At present, the LET partnership is delivering exactly that, competitive fields, clear pathways, broadcast exposure and genuine momentum at
the best time of year.