World’s best golfers coming to Melbourne after Victoria snatches Australian Open from NSW

The world’s best golfers are set to battle it out on the city’s famed sandbelt courses after Victoria stole the nation’s most prestigious golf tournament from NSW.

Victoria is set to steal the nation’s most prestigious golf tournament from NSW, with the Australian Open to be staged in Melbourne.

Melbourne has snatched the major tournament off Sydney, with some of the world’s best golfers to battle it out on the city’s famed sandbelt courses this year.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Open will be co-hosted at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Clubs from November 28 to December 1.

It will be the first time the Australian Open has been played in Victoria since 2022 and 32nd in the event’s 120 year history, sparking hopes of a long-term move to Melbourne.

Golf Australia and the state government will announce the deal on Thursday, as part of a push to make Victoria Australia’s golf capital with the President’s Cup returning to Melbourne in 2028.

Min Woo Lee of Australia plays a shot on the 18th hole at The Australian Open in Sydney last year. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland confirmed men’s, women’s and all ability editions of the tournament would be moved from NSW to Victoria, with $3.4 million in prize money.

“We can’t wait for the event to return to Melbourne’s Sandbelt,’’ he said.

Australia’s oldest and most distinguished golf tournament has been won by greats of the game such as Jack Nicklaus, Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy and Karrie Webb.

It is expected to draw the likes of Scott, Cam Smith, Jason Day, defending champion Joaquin Niemann, star siblings Minjee and Min Woo Lee, Hannah Green as well as big crowds of fans from near and far.

The tournament had been one of the jewels in NSW’s events calendar but will instead add to Victoria’s showcase of sporting drawcards.

The length of the contract was being kept under wraps but sources said it was hoped a lengthy deal could be struck to keep the Open in Melbourne, potentially permanently.

Sydney’s most recent contract was an eight year deal, with two “release year” exemptions for the event to be staged in Melbourne.

Adam Scott is expected to join a host of big names when The Australian Open is held in Melbourne. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Acting Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Ros Spence said it was a coup for Victoria.

“We’re proud to bring some of the world’s best golfing talent – and fans of this iconic tournament – back to Melbourne for the 2024 Australian Open – boosting businesses, jobs and our state’s economy,’’ she said.

Visit Victoria chief executive Brendan McClements said golf was a “major driver of activity’’ tourism with “capacity to drive year-round visitation’’.

He said it delivered about $1 billion to the economy, “with golfers from around the world wanting to experience Melbourne’s Sandbelt courses.

“Victoria is pleased to welcome the 2024 Australian Open and we look forward to seeing the tournament contribute to our visitor economy.’’

More than 60,000 fans attended a weekend of last year’s Open in Sydney — the biggest crowds since Tiger Woods played the event in 2011.