Top European contingent set for Aussie ‘majors’

French star and former Alfred Dunhill Links champion Victor Perez is relishing the prospect of taking on the likes of Cam Smith, Jason Day and Min Woo Lee after confirming his place in Australian golf’s biggest two events.

Perez is among half-a-dozen Europeans who have committed to playing in the upcoming Australian PGA and Australian Open events.

Joining Perez at the PGA (Royal Queensland, November 21-24) and Open (Kingston Heath and Victoria, Novembver 28-December 1) will be Belgian and former Ryder Cup player Nico Colsaerts, Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Englishman Jordan Smith, German Yannick Paul and emerging Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

“These two events have great histories, great lists of champions and I’d love to get my name on one of those trophies, but it’s going to be tough against the Aussies.” Perez said.

“Australia is one of the best golf destinations in the world. I can’t wait to get to Australia, enjoy the world-class golf courses and see what both Brisbane and Melbourne are like away from the course.”

Smith, a former Portugal Masters and European Open champion, hoped to get off to a “hot start” to the new season, with the DP World Tour co-sanctioning both events with the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“With the two Australian tournaments being the start of the 2024-25 DP World Tour, I’d love to get off to a hot start by challenging at both the PGA and Open, and maybe getting a win in either of them,” Smith said.

“I know the Aussie fans love their sport. I’m expecting big crowds, lots of sun and three courses that are going to provide a proper test of our games.

“Kingston Heath, Victoria and the Melbourne Sandbelt in general are world renowned so I can’t wait to tackle both courses, while Royal Queensland is definitely growing in reputation and profile amongst the DP World Tour players who have played it in recent years.

“No doubt we are in for two great weeks in Australia.”

The Australian PGA field will also include this year’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner, China’s Wenyi Ding, who will make his professional debut at Royal Queensland.

PGA of Australia general manager of tournaments and global tour relationships Nick Dastey said the two Australian “majors” benefitted from having a “strong contingent” of international players.

“They add to the depth of our fields, providing the best of the PGA Tour of Australasia with the chance to challenge themselves against proven tournament winners,” Dastey said.

“Their presence helps us to gain extra exposure to international audiences for our tournaments, our tour and our partners.”