The Australian Open is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious golf tournament, first played in 1904. It is organized by Golf Australia and has been held at various courses nationwide. The tournament has been sponsored by different companies over the years, including Holden, which served as the title sponsor from 1996 to 2002.
During the “Holden Australian Open” era, several notable events occurred:
1999: At The Royal Sydney Golf Club, amateur golfer Aaron Baddeley won the tournament, becoming the first amateur to do so since 1959.
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2000: Baddeley successfully defended his title at Kingston Heath Golf Club, this time as a professional.
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2002: The opening round at Victoria Golf Club was canceled due to unplayable conditions, marking a challenging moment in the tournament’s history.
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After Holden’s sponsorship ended, the Australian Open continued with various sponsors and remains a key event on the PGA Tour of Australasia. The tournament has evolved to include both men’s and women’s competitions, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and the growth of golf in Australia.
