Same time, same place for men and women at the Australian Open

In a world-first for golf, the men’s Australian Open and the women’s Australian Open are joining forces.

The marquee events will be played at the same time and at the same venues, with the event to be held on the world-famous Melbourne sandbelt from December 1-4.

Victoria Golf Club is the primary host venue across all four days of the tournament and Kingston Heath Golf Club is set to host play on the first two days.

The men’s event will headline the PGA Tour of Australasia, while the women’s event will be sanctioned by the WPGA Tour of Australasia.

In another first for the Australian Open, the men’s event will also be sanctioned on the DP World Tour, putting Australian golf on the world stage for two consecutive weeks with the Australian PGA Championship to be staged at Royal Queensland the week prior.

Field sizes of 144 men and 144 women will compete for an equal split of the minimum $A3.4 million prizemoney on offer.

This year’s Australian Open will also feature the third edition of the Australian All Abilities Championship, which assembles the top 12 players on the world ranking for golfers with disability (WR4GD) from across the world.

Golf Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland said the new format was a significant strategic move that has involved in depth long-term planning.

Australian golfer Karrie Webb (L) chats with Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland (R) in Melbourne on March 25, Credit Getty images.

“This truly is a coup for Australian golf – it presents a great opportunity for the game and will take the two open championships to another level,” Sutherland said.

“We’ve seen the success of the Victoria Open in this format, and more recently the Webex Players Series where men and women play for the same title. We’re excited to make this announcement, and it wouldn’t have happened without the support of Visit Victoria and the Victorian Government.

“Victoria’s renowned Melbourne sandbelt is once again going to host a world class golf tournament, and we are delighted to be partnering with the DP World Tour in the co-sanctioning and broadcast through its vast global network.”

Ben Cowen, DP World Tour chief tournament business officer, said: “We are delighted the Australian Open will feature on the DP World Tour’s schedule for the first time in December and we look forward to working with Golf Australia in bringing another world class event to Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia.

“Showcasing the Australian Open and Women’s Australian Open on iconic golf courses in the heart of Victoria’s famous Melbourne sandbelt presents a fantastic opportunity for both memberships to compete on the global stage.

Sutherland said that both events’ incredible history would not be lost.

“The men are still playing for their own Australian Open title for the Stonehaven Cup, and the women for the Patricia Bridges' Bowl. Both trophies have been won by some of the best golfers to play the game.

“We have huge aspirations for this event. This new format will provide the springboard for a wonderful celebration of golf.

“The move aligns with our new national strategy and our ambitions to appeal to new audiences. In keeping with our belief that golf is a sport for everyone, the strategy demands that we present our tournaments as inclusive and fun events,” said Sutherland.