The National set to host new Aussie Tour event

It’s been a rough couple of years with the Australian golfing schedule decimated by COVID-19 restrictions so the announcement of another event on the 2022 calendar this week comes as welcome news.

The new tournament, known as the National PGA Classic, will be played on the Gunnamatta Course at The National Golf Club from April 5-8. Formerly known as The Ocean Course, the layout was completely redesigned in 2018 by famed golf course architect, Tom Doak.

The National Golf Club’s Gunnamatta Course (Credit: The National)

The $200,000 National PGA Classic will also help make up for the lost playing opportunities following the cancellation of both the New Zealand Open and New Zealand PGA Championship.

“We are very fortunate and grateful that The National have been so enthusiastic about making their facility available to host an additional tournament on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia schedule,” said PGA of Australia Tournaments Director Australasia, Nick Dastey.

“When border closures forced the cancellation of both of the events in New Zealand we were keen to find a way to add at least one tournament to the schedule.”

“That such a prestigious club as The National has stepped forward and provided the use of one of the best golf courses in the country for our players will make for a fantastic event that will help to determine our Order of Merit winner.”

Players will now have one more opportunity to climb their way up the Australasian PGA Tour Order of Merit and secure one of three DP World Tour cards on offer. Currently leading the way are Jediah Morgan, Andrew Dodt and Anthony Quayle.

The inaugural National PGA Classic will slot in between the NSW Open in mid-March and the WA PGA starting on April 21.