South Australia secures Women’s Australian Open for at least next three years

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, Golf Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland and WPGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Karen Lunn have announced the securing of the women’s Australian Open for at least the next three years which sees the next women’s Australian Open returning to Kooyonga Golf Club from 12th-15th March next year.

The news of the partnership follows the recent passage of legislation through both houses of State Parliament to allow for the transformation of the North Adelaide Golf Course into one of the world’s greatest public golf courses, enabling it to host major events including LIV Golf Adelaide and future editions of the women’s Australian Open.

The championship will feature on both the WPGA Tour of Australasia and Ladies European Tour schedules, with some of the world’s best golfers to touch down in South Australia.

The women’s Australian Open was played in South Australia from 2016 to 2020 and last hosted at Kooyonga Golf Club in 2018.

The Australian Open has been won by major champions, Jiyai Shin, Ash Buhai, Inbee Park, Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko in recent years, with Karrie Webb the last local winner back in 2014.

In February the SA Government reached an extension agreement that will see LIV Golf Adelaide hosted in Adelaide until at least 2031 with this year’s event contributing a record $81.46 million to the State’s economy.

SA Premier Malinauskas noted “Securing this championship for at least the next three years will drive global attention, deliver world-class fan and player experiences and encourage more people, especially girls and women, to enjoy a health pursuit.

“This is a hugely exciting time for our state, which is already seeing the massive benefits of hosting major sporting events like LIV Golf Adelaide and their power to share South Australia on the global stage.

“We are investing in North Adelaide Golf Course as the new host venue for LIV Golf Adelaide and the women’s Australian, along with other major tournaments.

Golf Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland enthused “we are extremely excited by this partnership with the South Australian Government, who are showing a clear commitment to women’s golf in Australia.

“Securing the state of South Australia as the host of this historic and highly regarded event for the next three years is a significant win for players and fans, who will no doubt be treated to a terrific event.

“Kooyonga will provide the perfect stage to showcase the incredible talent set to feature in the field, including our top players who compete overseas on the game’s biggest stage, the rising local talent from the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the international contingent from the Ladies European Tour.

WPGA Tour of Australasia Chief Executive Karen Lunn added “Adelaide has a proven track record in hosting headline events including previous Australian Opens, and we look forward to showcasing all it has to offer which includes some of Australia’s finest golf courses.

“We are grateful to the South Australian Government for providing us with a platform that allows us to showcase our best Australian players with those from across the globe.

“The current number of Aussie players teeing it up, and contending, on both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour each week continues to show that we punch above our weight on the international stage and that women’s golf has arguably never been stronger in Australia.

“I am certain our players will be determined to break the Aussie drought in 2026 and lift the Patricia Bridges Bowl.”

Image top. Credit: Kooyong Golf Club; Image below: North Adelaide Golf Course