Australian Senior Open Returns With Lonard, Senior, O’Malley

Tournament Revival and Star Line-up

The Australian Senior Open is set to make its comeback this year, running from October 2 to 4 at City Golf Club in Toowoomba. This marks the championship's return after a 14-year hiatus, having last been contested in 2012. A field of up to 120 professionals, all aged 50 and over, will compete for a prize purse of A$160,000 over 54 holes.

Among the confirmed participants are celebrated Australian golfers Peter Lonard, Peter Senior, and Peter O’Malley, headlining what is expected to be a strong contingent of seasoned players. The event forms a significant part of the 2026 PGA Legends Tour season and coincides with City Golf Club’s centenary celebrations.

Veteran Talent Takes the Stage

Peter Lonard, a two-time Australian Open champion with a PGA Tour victory and multiple Australian PGA and Masters titles, brings a formidable record to Toowoomba. Peter Senior, who claimed the Australian Senior Open in 2010, boasts an illustrious career with 67 global wins, including two Australian Opens and three Australian PGAs.

Fellow Australian stalwart Peter O’Malley, a five-time winner on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and three-time European Tour champion, notably secured the 1992 Scottish Open with a final round 62.

The field also includes PGA Tour winner Andre Stolz, reigning Australian PGA Seniors champion Jason Norris, and three-time Asian Tour titleholder Terry Pilkadaris, ensuring a competitive trans-Tasman flavour with players like New Zealand's Michael Long and Mahal Pearce.

Event Logistics and Club Centenary

City Golf Club in Toowoomba, which has previously hosted 12 Queensland PGA Championships, will welcome spectators free of charge for the duration of the tournament. For those unable to attend in person, broadcast coverage will be available via Kayo Sports.

Nick Dastey, PGA of Australia General Manager of Tournaments, expressed enthusiasm for the championship's re-establishment on the national calendar, noting the high calibre of players committed to the event.

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland also emphasised the importance of senior professional golf in maintaining experienced talent within the sport and inspiring future generations. Club President Ed Britnell highlighted the honour of hosting such a significant event as part of their centenary year.

Significance for Asia's Golf Landscape

While the Australian Senior Open is primarily a domestic event, its revival and the participation of seasoned professionals like three-time Asian Tour titleholder Terry Pilkadaris underscore the enduring appeal of senior golf in the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The event offers a platform for players who have competed across Asia and globally to continue their careers, potentially inspiring similar initiatives or increased participation in senior tours within Asian markets.

For travelling golfers in Asia, the tournament provides an accessible opportunity to witness high-level competition from familiar names in a region known for its strong golf culture. The free spectator entry also lowers the barrier for golf enthusiasts looking to observe professional play.