Adelaide Secures Australian Open in Major Boost for Public Golf

South Australia has secured a major sporting and tourism win, with Adelaide set to host both the men's and women's Australian Opens under a long-term agreement between the Malinauskas Government and Golf Australia.

From 2028 to 2034, the newly redeveloped North Adelaide Public Golf Course will stage an Australian Open every year, including three men's tournaments and three women's tournaments. The men's Australian Open will debut at the venue in 2028.

The agreement marks a significant milestone for South Australian sport, with the Australian Open having only been held outside New South Wales and Victoria twice in more than 50 years.

The Greg Norman-designed redevelopment of the North Adelaide course is expected to create one of the world's premier public golf facilities. Positioned just minutes from Adelaide's CBD and surrounded by the city's iconic Park Lands, the venue is tipped to become a standout destination on the international golfing calendar.

Golf Australia believes the event's growing popularity presents a major opportunity for Adelaide. The 2026 men's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne attracted more than 113,000 spectators, making it the most attended men's championship in the tournament's history.

The North Adelaide redevelopment will not only enhance the golf course but also improve public access throughout the Park Lands. Plans include expanded walking and cycling trails while preserving the site's cultural and environmental significance.

The Malinauskas Government says the investment aligns with its broader push to encourage active lifestyles through upgraded public sporting infrastructure. Other major projects include the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, the Barossa Park development, the transformation of the Mile End netball stadium into a multi-sport facility, and a proposed permanent gymnastics venue.

Importantly, the North Adelaide Golf Course will remain publicly accessible, with the Government working alongside designers to minimise impacts on significant trees throughout the area.

The addition of the men's Australian Open strengthens South Australia's growing portfolio of major sporting events, which already includes the bp Adelaide Grand Final, MotoGP, AFL Gather Round and LIV Golf. The state's major events strategy has generated more than $700 million in economic benefit.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said Adelaide was uniquely positioned to grow the Australian Open and showcase world-class golf in a public setting close to the city centre.

He said the upgraded North Adelaide course, together with the future Cliffs development on Kangaroo Island, would strengthen South Australia's reputation as a leading golf tourism destination.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the success of recent Australian Opens demonstrated the growing appetite for elite golf events in Australia.

He described North Adelaide as a future world-class public golf facility and said Adelaide offered a rare combination of championship golf, major event infrastructure and close proximity to hotels, restaurants and entertainment.

Sutherland said the partnership would not only elevate the Australian Opens but also leave a lasting community asset that encourages more Australians to take up the game.