AUSSIE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE MOVE?

IN THE days before Cameron Smith successfully defended his Australian PGA title at RACV Royal Pines, rumours doing the rounds of the Gold Coast resort suggest the championship could be on the move after 2019.

The Gold Coast City Council, Tourism and Events Queensland and PGA of Australia have a three-year contract to host the PGA, with Royal Pines being the selected venue for 2019.

But it is understood Royal Queensland Golf Club has sounded out some key officials connected with the championship about taking the PGA north to Brisbane in 2020 when the club will be celebrating its centenary.

If the move was to go ahead it would be the first time Royal Queensland (pictured right) has hosted the PGA since it had back-to-back titles in 2000-2001. The Brisbane River-side course has also hosted three Australian Opens.

The whispers didn’t even escape dual Australian PGA winner Cameron Smith. “My home club’s Wantima. I’m a member at

Royal Queensland and played a lot of golf out there,” he said.

“I obviously love it down here (Royal Pines), I would love for it to stay here for the next 25 years, but it is what it is. You know, Royal Queensland’s a great golf club as well, a

challenging test much the same really as here. “I wouldn’t mind it.” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate would … and he’s already announced his council will be working to ensure the Australian PGA stays on the Gold Coast.