Two huge championships, some of the world's best golfers and two iconic Australian courses. The Australian summer of golf is shaping up to be something special.

The countdown is on! November and December will see Australian golf take centre stage as two of the country's biggest tournaments return, bringing together an impressive line-up of local favourites and international superstars.

The BMW Australian PGA Championship and Capital.com Australian Open are set to deliver four days of world-class golf each, with plenty of storylines, homegrown talent and some seriously challenging golf courses to keep fans entertained.

Here's what to look forward to.

BMW Australian PGA Championship

26–29 November 2026 | The Lakes Golf Club, Sydney, NSW

For the first time in almost 30 years, the Australian PGA Championship is heading back to Sydney, with the prestigious tournament taking place at The Lakes Golf Club.

Last hosted at The Lakes in 1987, the championship returns to a course renowned for its strategic layout, challenging water hazards and beautiful sandy landscapes. Located just minutes from Sydney Airport, The Lakes has also hosted the Australian Open on seven occasions, most recently in 2010.

With a $2.5 million prize pool and the Joe Kirkwood Cup up for grabs, there's plenty on the line as players battle it out over 72 holes. The event also kicks off the DP World Tour season, adding another level of international interest.

Players to watch

The field is already looking impressive, with some big names confirmed:

  • Adam Scott – One of Australia's most successful golfers and a two-time Australian PGA Champion. Always a major attraction when playing on home soil.

  • Cam Smith – The 2022 Open Champion and one of Australia's biggest golfing names. A proven performer who will be looking to add another home title to his collection.

  • Min Woo Lee – Australia's No. 1, former 2023 Australian PGA Champion and one of the most exciting players in world golf.

  • David Puig – The defending champion returns after claiming last year's title at Royal Queensland. Can he become the first player since Cam Smith in 2017–18 to successfully defend the championship?

  • Elvis Smylie – The 2024 champion returns looking to add another Kirkwood Cup to his growing list of achievements.

  • Nicolai Højgaard – The highly ranked Danish star makes his Sydney debut, adding even more international quality to the field.

Other notable names include Lucas Herbert, Cam Davis, Marc Leishman, Corey Conners and Daniel Hillier.

Something beyond the golf

The tournament promises to be more than just a golfing spectacle, with the famous Party Hole returning, a fan village, food and entertainment, and family activities throughout the week. Saturday's Family Day will also feature activities for junior golf fans.

Capital.com Australian Open

3–6 December 2026 | Kingston Heath Golf Club, Melbourne, VIC

Just one week later, the action moves south to Melbourne's famous Sandbelt for the Capital.com Australian Open, one of the most historic and prestigious events on the Australian golfing calendar.

This year's championship will be played at Kingston Heath Golf Club, widely regarded as one of Australia's finest golf courses and a favourite among professionals and golf enthusiasts alike.

Designed by Dan Soutar, with bunkering later enhanced by legendary golf course architect Dr Alister MacKenzie, Kingston Heath is a true test of strategic golf. It isn't necessarily about who can hit the ball the furthest – it's about positioning, accuracy and knowing when to take on the risk.

Its famous bunkering, firm greens and challenging approach shots will provide a fantastic test for the world's best players.

Players to watch

There's plenty of star power heading to Melbourne, with an international field featuring some of the biggest names in golf.

  • Rory McIlroy – The headline act! The four-time Major champion and one of the biggest names in world golf returns to Australia. McIlroy won the Australian Open in 2013 and will be looking to add another Stonehaven Cup to his trophy cabinet.

  • Ryan Fox – Arrives in Australia as the reigning Open Champion after his incredible victory at Royal Birkdale in July. He'll be chasing a rare double, becoming the first golfer since 1981 to win The Open and Australian Open in the same calendar year.

  • Adam Scott – The 2013 Masters champion and 2009 Australian Open winner returns to a tournament he has always supported. A familiar face and a genuine contender.

  • Cam Smith – The 2022 Open Champion will be looking to go one better after finishing runner-up at last year's Australian Open.

  • Min Woo Lee – Australia's No. 1 golfer is another major attraction. Known for his exciting style of play and ability to produce spectacular shots, he'll be chasing his maiden Australian Open title.

  • Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen – The Danish golfer claimed last year's title at Royal Melbourne and will be looking to defend his crown and take home the famous Stonehaven Cup once again.

Other confirmed international players include Corey Conners (Canada), Daniel Hillier (New Zealand), Carlos Ortiz (Mexico), Sebastián Muñoz (Colombia) and Josele Ballester (Spain).

A tournament with plenty of history

The Australian Open dates back to 1904 and has a rich history of legendary champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Greg Norman and Peter Thomson.

The Stonehaven Cup remains one of the most recognisable trophies in Australian golf, and having Rory McIlroy, Ryan Fox and so many of the world's best competing for it makes this year's event particularly exciting.

Fans can also enjoy the tournament's 19th fan village, food and beverage experiences, premium viewing areas and plenty of activities away from the course. Children aged 17 and under can attend free with a paying adult.

A blockbuster fortnight for Australian golf

With the Australian PGA Championship in Sydney followed by the Australian Open in Melbourne, golf fans are in for a fantastic fortnight.

Both tournaments are co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, giving local professionals the opportunity to compete against some of the world's best while chasing valuable titles, prize money and international playing opportunities.

There's also plenty of national pride at stake, with Australia's leading players looking to make their mark on home soil.

Whether you're heading out to watch the action, following the tournaments from home or simply looking forward to seeing some of the world's best golfers in action, the Australian summer of golf is shaping up to be one worth watching.

So grab your clubs, get out on the course and enjoy the show. Summer is nearly here!

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