[Photo: Mateo Villalba/Getty Images]
World No.47 Nicolai Højgaard will grace both Sydney and Melbourne with his presence when he tees it up at the BMW Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes Golf Club from November 26-29 and the Capital.com Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club from December 3-6.
A member of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team in 2023, the 25-year-old has twice finished runner-up on the PGA Tour this year, finishing second at the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March before another impressive performance at the Truist Championship in May.
RELATED: A backswing change has Nicolai Hojgaard in hot pursuit of twin brother Rasmus
Højgaard is already a three-time DP World Tour winner, highlighted by his victory at the 2023 DP World Tour Championship, and has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
The Australian PGA Championship, a marquee event on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, will kick off his 2026-27 DP World Tour campaign.
“I’m really looking forward to coming to Sydney to play for the first time,” Højgaard said. “The Lakes looks like a fantastic golf course, so I’m excited to get out there and experience it for myself.
“I’ve put myself in contention a couple of times on the PGA Tour this year, which has been a positive, and hopefully I can build on that form heading into the end of the year.”
The Dane was equally excited about being part of the field for the Australian Open.
“Melbourne is a great place to play golf, and I’m looking forward to being back for the Australian Open,” Højgaard said. “It’s one of historic tournaments in world golf, and Kingston Heath is a great test that I experienced along with Victoria Golf Club back in 2022. They were two of the best course I’ve ever played.
“I really enjoyed that challenge, playing different courses and having to figure things out, so I’m excited to get out there and give it a go.
Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Højgaard’s commitment to the Australian Open added further quality to the international field.
“Nicolai has already achieved a great deal in his career and I’m sure would love to add the Australian Open to his list of achievements,” he said. “He has shown he can compete with the best players in the world, and we’re delighted Australian fans will have the opportunity to see him in action once again at Kingston Heath.”
Højgaard joins an international field featuring two-time Masters champion Rory McIlroy, reigning Open champion Ryan Fox, Joaquin Niemann, Corey Conners, Sahith Theegala, Daniel Hillier, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Muñoz and Josele Ballester.
Meanwhile, PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman said Højgaard’s commitment was another boost for the Australian PGA Championship as it prepares for its highly anticipated return to Sydney.
“Nicolai is an outstanding talent who has already achieved a great deal in his career, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to the BMW Australian PGA Championship,” Kirkman said. “His experience competing at the highest level, including as part of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team, will add tremendous quality to the field.
“The return of the championship to Sydney is a significant moment for Australian golf, and having players of Nicolai’s calibre competing at The Lakes will help make it a fantastic week for fans.”
Højgaard joins a growing line-up for the 2026 championship, with defending champion David Puig, Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee, Cam Smith, Lucas Herbert, Elvis Smylie, Cam Davis, Corey Conners, Carlos Ortiz, Daniel Hillier, Travis Smyth and Josele Ballester among those set to compete.
The championship will return to The Lakes Golf Club for the first time since 1987, with the venue set to provide a compelling test for the field as players compete for the Joe Kirkwood Cup.
