Words: Paul Prendergast/Media Release
Photo: Mark Wilson – Golfplus Media
| 27/6/23 We’ve known for a while it was coming back to Melbourne but it was only today that the PGA TOUR’s official announcement would confirm exactly ‘where’ it would be played. With many clubs on the Sandbelt rumoured to be in the running, the news that the 2028 Presidents Cup will be contested for the first time at the Kingston Heath Golf Club was almost instantly praised across Australia and the world. Current players, including a future Presidents Cup International team captain-in-waiting, Adam Scott, were quick to take to social media to praise the news and laud the golf course for its standing as one of the best in the world. Scott himself has called the ‘Heath his favourite course in Australia and has been a regular participant at just about every major event to be staged there over in his career, highlighted by a win at the 2012 Australian Masters. Kingston Heath has hosted a men’s Australian Open on seven occasions in addition to the 2009 and 2012 Australian Masters, the 2008 Women’s Australian Open and the 2016 World Cup of Golf (pictured). “On behalf of the PGA TOUR, we are excited to bring the 2028 Presidents Cup to Kingston Heath Golf Club as we further cement the history and future of this event in the great city of Melbourne,” said PGA TOUR Senior Vice President of Championship Management, Matt Rapp. “The Sandbelt region is home to some of the game’s most iconic venues, and Kingston Heath has proven to be a world-class host for a number of golf’s biggest tournaments. We are looking forward to contesting an incredible Presidents Cup that Australians can take tremendous pride in, showcasing Kingston Heath to golf fans around the world.” Notable champions at Kingston Heath include Gary Player (1970 Australian Open) Adam Scott (2012 Australian Masters), Karrie Webb (2008 Women’s Australian Open), and Tiger Woods (2009 Australian Masters), who won on his sixth continent with the victory in Australia. “Kingston Heath has a long and proud history of hosting major events and celebrating the best golfers in the world on our championship course. The opportunity to host a world-renowned iconic event celebrating the best players in the game is incredibly exciting,” said Kingston Heath Captain Stephen Montfort. “Kingston Heath is subtle, but demanding, and the format of the Presidents Cup promises to deliver many memorable moments to celebrate at one of the great golf courses in world golf. “ Kingston Heath will represent the fifth international venue to host the Presidents Cup, joining The Royal Melbourne Golf Club (1998, 2011, 2019); The Links at Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate (2003); The Royal Montreal Golf Club (2007, 2024); and Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea (2015). The Presidents Cup will return September 24-29, 2024, as the event makes its return to The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada for the first time since 2007. With today’s announcement, the Presidents Cup has its venues secured through 2030: 2024 The Royal Montreal Golf Club Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2026 Medinah Country Club (Course #3) Medinah, Illinois, USA 2028 Kingston Heath Golf Club Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2030 Bellerive Country Club St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
