Adam Scott, one of an elite group of golfers who have Australian Open and Australian PGA victories on their records, has confirmed he will be a starter in both tournaments in the upcoming Summer of Golf.
The 43-year-old Queenslander, who has six PGA Tour of Australasia victories on his outstanding resume, is yet another drawcard for the two Aussie ‘majors’ that had already locked in world No.15 Cam Smith as well as rising stars Min Woo Lee and Cam Davis for their 2023 fields.
Scott’s first appearance of the summer will be at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland in Brisbane from November 23-26 when he will look to add to the PGA titles he won in 2013 and 2019 at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.
He will then try to win his national open for the second time when The Australian Golf Club and The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney co-host the ISPS Handa Australian Open from November 30-December 3.
The 2009 Open champion by five shots at New South Wales Golf Club came close to clinching last year’s event at the Victoria and Kingston Heath golf clubs in Melbourne, eventually finishing runner-up behind Poland’s Adrian Meronk.
Scott’s Open record also includes runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2015, while he was beaten in a playoff at the 2014 PGA.
Always a popular drawcard on his regular visits back to Australia, Scott, who is currently 41st on the Official World Golf Ranking, is sure to be a big hit with the galleries in both Brisbane and Sydney.
“Adam has been a wonderful supporter of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and our major events for many years now,” said Gavin Kirkman, the PGA of Australia chief executive. “Having him back home again this summer for the two Aussie ‘majors’ will be welcomed by everyone connected to Australian golf.
“Adam always comes to our Australian events with his mind on one thing – winning. I know he will be determined to challenge for both titles and get his hands on the Kirkwood Cup or Stonehaven Cup once again.”
Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland added: “Having Adam as part of the Australian Summer of Golf always adds to the anticipation ahead of our two major tournaments. Adam is a world-class player and is a threat in any tournament he contests. We are delighted that he has once again committed to play here this summer.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, was also effusive.
“Adam Scott’s commitment to play the Fortinet Australian PGA in Brisbane, on the back of the news Cam Smith is also headed home, means the PGA has assembled yet another star-studded field, in what is shaping up to be an unmissable tournament this year,” Hinchliffe said. “Adam is a huge drawcard ensuring there will be packed galleries at Royal Queensland to watch him play, which is great news for local hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators, with the event estimated to inject more than $14 million into the local visitor economy.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Adam Scott’s return to the Royal Queensland fairways makes for an even more exciting event.
“With Adam Scott and Cam Smith now on the ticket, the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane will be a massive drawcard for locals and visitors this summer,” Cr Schrinner said. “The contest for the Kirkwood Cup will be a major driver for visitation to Brisbane, with more than 62,000 fans partaking in the action at the Royal Queensland Golf Club last year. The benefits of this sporting showdown will be felt across the city, delivering millions in economic support to local Brisbane restaurants, hotels and tourism experiences.”
As well as being highlight tournaments on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the two Aussie ‘majors’ will be co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour and form part of the start to the 2023-2024 Race to Dubai schedule.
Tickets for both the ISPS Handa Australian Open and Fortinet Australian PGA Championship are available now via ticketek.com.
