The future of the men's Capital.com Australian Open has received a significant boost, with Golf Australia announcing a landmark partnership with the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR that will help elevate the championship to new heights.
Confirmed this week, the agreement covers the 2027, 2028 and 2029 editions of the Australian Open and ensures the tournament will continue to be co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia. The partnership is another major step forward in Golf Australia's vision to transform the Australian Open into one of the world's premier golf events.
Perhaps most notably, this marks the first formal partnership between Golf Australia and the PGA TOUR. The agreement is expected to deliver increased prize money, a stronger position on the global golf calendar, and greater opportunities to attract some of the world's best players to Australian shores. Further details on these developments are expected to be revealed during the 2026 Capital.com Australian Open.
The announcement continues a period of positive momentum for Australian golf. Back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy has already confirmed his return for the 2026 Australian Open, which will once again help launch the DP World Tour season alongside the BMW Australian PGA Championship. Together, the events will form the centrepiece of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia's summer schedule.
The renewed partnership also follows Golf Australia's long-term agreement with Capital.com and the recent announcement that the redeveloped North Adelaide Golf Course will host three Australian Opens between 2028 and 2034.
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said the organisation's ambition is clear.
"The Australian Open has a proud history dating back to 1904 and is recognised globally as one of the great national championships in golf," Sutherland said.
"Our goal is for the men's Australian Open to be recognised among the top 10 most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Achieving that requires the right mix of world-class venues, strong partnerships, global broadcast reach, exceptional fan experiences and the ability to attract elite international fields."
Sutherland believes the new agreement with the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia will significantly strengthen the tournament's international standing and provide a platform for continued growth.
The DP World Tour also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of national championships within its global schedule.
Ben Cowen, the DP World Tour's Chief Tournament and Operations Officer, said the Australian Open remains one of the most respected national opens in world golf.
"National Opens have always been central to our Tour, and we're delighted the Capital.com Australian Open will remain part of our schedule for another three years," Cowen said.
The partnership also aligns with the Strategic Alliance between the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, creating new opportunities to further enhance the tournament's global profile.
For PGA TOUR members, the agreement will make it easier to compete in Australia through the event's ongoing DP World Tour co-sanctioning. PGA TOUR Senior Vice President of International, Christian Hardy, described the Australian Open as one of the most prestigious events in world golf and expressed enthusiasm about strengthening ties with Australian golf.
The announcement has also been welcomed by the PGA of Australia, with CEO Gavin Kirkman emphasising the importance of a strong Australian Open for the entire Australian golf ecosystem.
"The Australian Open is the shop window for golf in Australia," Kirkman said.
"When the Australian Open grows, it elevates the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and creates greater opportunities for Australian golfers. The combination of world-class venues, strong commercial support, host-state partnerships and international co-sanctioning places the event in a stronger position than ever before."
With increased global support, a strengthened pathway for international players and a clear vision for growth, the Capital.com Australian Open appears well positioned to continue its rise on the world stage. For Australian golf fans, the coming years promise bigger fields, greater international attention and an even more prestigious national championship.