CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE

The Australian Open returns in 2021.

Golf fans rejoice. The Australian Open, the world’s fifth-oldest professional golf tournament, is back on the sporting calendar after a year’s hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Golf Australia (governing body) has announced that our national Open is set to return to The Australian Golf Club in Sydney and will be played from November 25-28, 2021.

Originally slated to be held at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath in November last year, the tournament was postponed to February and was eventually cancelled altogether due to the pandemic. It was, in fact, the first time outside of the two World Wars that the storied event had not been played since its inception in 1904.

Thankfully, however, lovers of the game won’t have to endure another 12 months without the tournament. The 105th edition of our national Open will now be played at The Australian, which will host the event for a record 22nd time.

Further adding to the excitement is the fact the Aussie Open will be played the week prior to the

Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland, providing the PGA Tour of Australasia two consecutive weeks of world-class golf.

“The Open has been a focal point of the Australian summer for decades and we’re extremely pleased to bring it back,” said Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said.

“It was tough for all involved to miss out last year, particularly for players without their national championship on offer and for fans who simply want to see the best golf has to offer.

“So, we’re thrilled to have the support of our stakeholders to be able to bring the championship to life once more, particularly at The Australian for a record 22nd time.”

Stuart Ayres, Minister for Investment, Jobs, Tourism and Western Sydney, shared Sutherland’s enthusiasm and sounds just as eager to have the event back on the sporting calendar.

“Hosting major events like the Australian Open provides a huge injection into our visitor economy and events industry by creating jobs and attracting visitors from all over the country to Sydney,” Ayres said.

“Within minutes of leaving the tournament, Australian Open spectators, officials and players will find themselves at one of the Harbour City’s world-class restaurants, hotels or beaches.

“This iconic sporting event always generates great interest globally, as well as for those who venture to Sydney to watch.”

All eyes will now be on the calibre of players the event manages attract, especially given the current difficulties of international travel and the likelihood of ongoing restrictions.

This will, of course, include our big-name US-based players, such as Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Adam Scott, Matt Jones and Jason Day.

Jones, in particular, would be eager to return to The Australian this November you would imagine, given he has already won the tournament twice (2015 and 2019) at his home club.

It will have its challenges, to be sure, but here’s hoping Golf Australia manages to attract the quality field our national Open deserves.