Defending champion set to return to Capital.com Australian Open

Media Release:

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen will return to defend his Capital.com Australian Open title in December, with the Dane aiming to become the first player in 22 years to retain the Stonehaven Cup.

Neergaard-Petersen announced himself on the world stage with a thrilling breakthrough triumph at Royal Melbourne last year, claiming his maiden DP World Tour title by a single shot after an enthralling final-day duel with Cameron Smith.

This year’s Open will be played at the world-renowned Kingston Heath Golf Club from December 3-6.

In 2025, Neergaard-Petersen was locked alongside Smith heading to the 72nd hole, and then produced a remarkable up-and-down from thick rough beside the 18th green, holing a clutch par putt under enormous pressure.

The Australian star narrowly missed his chance to force a playoff, handing the 26-year-old a career-defining victory and a trip to his first Masters at Augusta National, as well as a start in The Open where he finished in a tie for ninth.

Neergaard-Petersen will return to Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt, with the opportunity to become the first player since Peter Lonard in 2004 to successfully defend the Australian Open title.

"Winning the Australian Open was one of the biggest moments of my career and it's a week I'll never forget," Neergaard-Petersen said.

"Everything about my last trip to Australia exceeded my expectations.

"I know how difficult it is to win the Australian Open, so to come back as defending champion is a real honour.

“I'll have great memories from last year, and I’m sure more will come back when I return to Melbourne, but once the tournament starts the focus will be on trying to earn the right to lift the Stonehaven Cup again."

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said Neergaard-Petersen's return was a major boost for the championship.

"Rasmus produced one of the great Australian Open victories at Royal Melbourne last year," Sutherland said.

"He showed enormous composure under huge pressure in the final round, in front of a massive crowd on the famous 18th hole of the Composite Course, demonstrating exactly why the Australian Open remains one of the game's great tests.

"We're delighted to welcome our defending champion back and look forward to seeing him attempt to join an exclusive group of players to successfully defend the Stonehaven Cup."

Neergard-Petersen joins 2026 major winners Rory McIlroy and Ryan Fox plus Joaquin Niemann, Corey Conners, Sahith Theegala, Daniel Hillier, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Munoz and Josele Ballester as major international names in the field for Kingston Heath.

Back to News

More News