Adelaide has landed a major sporting coup, with the Australian Open locked in for the upgraded North Adelaide Public Golf Course from 2028.
The long-term deal between the South Australian Government and Golf Australia will see Adelaide host an Australian Open every year from 2028 to 2034, including three men’s and three women’s Australian Opens.
The first men’s Australian Open at North Adelaide will be staged in 2028, marking just the third time the major event has been hosted outside New South Wales or Victoria in more than half a century.
The new Greg Norman-designed course is set to transform the existing North Adelaide Public Golf Course into a championship-standard public venue, placing one of Australian golf’s biggest tournaments within walking distance of the CBD.
The course will remain public for most of the year, with the upgrade designed to improve access through the Adelaide Park Lands, expand walking and riding trails, and create a world-class sporting facility in the heart of the city.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the agreement followed ongoing discussions with Golf Australia about bringing the national championships to Adelaide.
“We are thrilled to make this a reality, at a high quality public facility on the doorstep of our city,” he said.
“The Australian Open is a must stop event on the Australian sporting calendar, and we have the potential to grow it here in Adelaide.”
“Central to this move is the investment we are delivering in North Adelaide, a world-class public golf course uniquely located in our stunning Park Lands overlooking the CBD.”
The announcement adds to South Australia’s events calendar, which already includes AFL Gather Round, LIV Golf, MotoGP Grand Prix and the bp Adelaide Grand Final. The State Government says its Major Events strategy has delivered more than $700 million in economic benefit to South Australia.
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said Adelaide’s growing reputation for major sporting events, combined with the central North Adelaide location, made the move a major opportunity for the sport.
“With a new championship course at North Adelaide and The Cliffs at Kangaroo Island to come, the state has an incredible suite of golf attractions to complement its other tourism assets, and we’re excited to be working in partnership with the South Australian Government.”
“North Adelaide will be one of the world’s best public golf facilities.
“An Australian Open each year, right in the heart of one of Australia’s great sporting cities, has the potential to be one of the very best events on our national sporting calendar.
“I can’t think of any city in the golf world that can offer a championship course within a proven events precinct, with city hotels, restaurants and energy within such close proximity.”
With the first event locked in for 2028, Adelaide is now preparing for a new era of championship golf, right in the middle of the city.
