Australian Open heading to Adelaide’s new North Adelaide Golf Course

Adelaide has secured one of the biggest coups in Australian golf, with the men’s and women’s Australian Opens set to be played at the redeveloped North Adelaide Golf Course from 2028.

The long-term agreement between the South Australian Government and Golf Australia will see the upgraded public course host Australian Open events annually from 2028 to 2034, including three men’s and three women’s championships. The first men’s Australian Open at North Adelaide will take place in 2028.

It marks a rare move away from golf’s traditional eastern-state strongholds, with the men’s Australian Open having only twice been staged outside New South Wales or Victoria in more than 50 years.

The Greg Norman-designed redevelopment of the North Adelaide Public Golf Course is set to transform the city-fringe venue into a championship-standard facility, positioned within Adelaide’s Park Lands just minutes from the CBD.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the agreement was a major milestone for both South Australia and the future of golf in the state.

“For some time, we have been engaged with Golf Australia discussing the potential of bringing both the men’s and women’s Australian Opens to Adelaide,” Malinauskas said.

“We are thrilled to make this a reality, at a high quality public facility on the doorstep of our city.

“The Australian Open is a must stop event on the Australian sporting calendar, and we have the potential to grow it here in Adelaide.”

The upgraded North Adelaide course will remain a public facility outside tournament periods, with the broader redevelopment also including expanded walking and cycling trails through the Park Lands.

“Whether they be playing golf, walking or cycling through it, South Australians will have the benefit of enjoying this high-quality course for the vast majority of the year,” Malinauskas said.

The redevelopment has also been linked to Adelaide’s ambitions to become a major golf tourism destination, particularly alongside the planned Cliffs development on Kangaroo Island.

“With the North Adelaide upgrade coinciding with the development of The Cliffs on Kangaroo Island, golf tourists will be attracted to our city, to spend their dollars in our economy,” Malinauskas said.

“Major events like both the men’s and women’s Australian Open will help drive that economic benefit further, and boost even further investment in our city.”

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said the Australian Open had significant momentum following record-breaking attendances in recent years.

“The 2025 men’s Australian Open proved what the event means to golf fans. More than 113,000 people packed Royal Melbourne just to experience the golf,” Sutherland said.

“We also ran the most successful women’s Australian Open in the event’s history at Kooyonga. All the feedback suggests that we have captured the golf world’s attention. Now is the time to capitalise on that.”

Sutherland said Adelaide’s proven ability to deliver major events made it an ideal long-term home for the tournament.

“South Australia has built an outstanding reputation for partnering with sports and helping them grow their events,” he said.

“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.”

The location of the course within Adelaide’s event precinct and close to hotels, restaurants and transport was also highlighted as a major advantage.

“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,” Sutherland said.

The North Adelaide redevelopment has also previously been flagged as the potential future home of LIV Golf Adelaide, which is currently played at The Grange Golf Club. However, uncertainty continues to surround LIV Golf’s long-term future globally amid ongoing negotiations between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, meaning any future move remains unconfirmed.

If realised, the combination of the Australian Open and LIV Golf would establish North Adelaide as one of Australia’s premier golf and events destinations.

The 2026 Australian Open will be played at Melbourne's Kingston Heath Golf Club from December 3-6, featuring Rory Rory McIlroy. View event information and buy tickets here >