Australian PGA Championship 2023: Brisbane party hole boosted as tickets go on sale

A day after Queenslander Jason Day returned to the winner’s circle on the US Tour, Australian golf officials are turning the volume up ahead of this year’s PGA Championship.

Brisbane’s golf party is just getting started.

A day after Queenslander Jason Day returned to the winner’s circle on the US Tour, Australian golf officials are turning the volume up ahead of this year’s PGA Championship.

Royal Queensland Golf Club will again host the event from November 23-26.

In a major win for fans, grandstand seating around the popular 17th party hole will be boosted by more than 300 a day and hospitality capacity more than doubled.

The concept proved a major winner at the event last year, with music pumping from a live DJ and raucous support for local heroes like Cameron Smith and Adam Scott.

A render of the new-look 17th hole at Royal Queensland for the 2023 PGA Championship. Supplied: PGA Australia

Supplied: PGA Australia

Fellow Australian Min Woo Lee will be the first player confirmed for the 2023 tournament on Tuesday, when tickets go on sale.

A special media event to launch the $2 million Fortinet Australian PGA Championship will be staged in Brisbane featuring stars from a number of other sports, including cricket and rugby league.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the event was a major driver for visitation, with thousands of fans set to deliver a $15 million economic boost to Brisbane this year.

“The Australian PGA Championship is the latest premier event that confirms Brisbane’s rank among the world’s best sporting destinations,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Our enviable outdoor lifestyle, well-appointed venues, and vibrant culture make Brisbane the perfect place to tee off the 2024 DP World Tour season.

“With last year’s competition attracting 62,000 fans, our hotels, restaurants, and local attractions enjoy a huge upswing in patronage too.”

With Royal Queensland also hosting golf for the Brisbane 2032 Games, president Evelyn Foley said it was great time for the club.

“Our members take great pride in their course staging such an important championship as the Australian PGA,” Dr Foley said.

“As we have seen at the past two tournaments, the course serves as a wonderful canvas on which some of the world’s best players can showcase their extraordinary skills.

“The number of fans that flocked to RQ last November was quite incredible and we’re looking to welcoming them all back, and more, this November.”

Min Woo Lee is one of Australia’s top young golfers. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said securing Min Woo was a major boost for the 2023 tournament.

“Given his schedule across both the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour, having Min Woo commit to the tournament so far in advance is a tremendous coup for the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship,” Mr Kirkman said.

“Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager in Perth a few years ago, Min Woo has been on a steady progression to the point where he is now one of the best players in the world.

“He played brilliantly to win the Vic Open in 2020 but I am sure he would love to get his hands on the Joe Kirkwood Cup at Royal Queensland in November.”

Originally published as Australian PGA Championship 2023: Brisbane party hole boosted as tickets go on sale