McIlroy to headline 2026 Capital.com Australian Open in December

Media Release:

 

Golf Australia has confirmed a major new era for the sport, announcing a landmark, multi-year partnership with global trading platform Capital.com, which will become Title Partner of the Capital.com Australian Open and the first Naming Rights Partner of the Capital.com GA Handicap. 

The agreement represents one of the largest commercial partnerships in Australian golf history, connecting Capital.com with both the country's premier championship, the club members and GA Handicap holders that underpin the game.

The announcement comes 200 days out from the 2026 Capital.com Australian Open at Kingston Heath, with excitement building for one of the strongest fields in recent tournament history, headlined by back-to-back Masters Champion Rory McIlroy, who returns to Australia as part of his confirmed two-year commitment. 

McIlroy said he was looking forward to returning to Melbourne and competing once again at one of the game’s most iconic venues. 

“I cannot wait to come back to the Australian Open this December at Kingston Heath, McIlroy said in a video message to fans. 

“I always have a great time in Australia, [it has] some of the best golf in the world and I can't wait to get back down there and play in front of everyone." 

Golf Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the partnership and player announcements signal a defining moment for the championship. 

“The Capital.com Australian Open is entering an incredibly exciting new chapter,” Sutherland said. 

“This is a transformative partnership for Australian golf, with Capital.com investing across the full spectrum of the game, from our premier championship through to the everyday golfer.” 

“The scale of this partnership allows us to grow the tournament, attract world-class players, and deliver a significantly enhanced experience for fans, while also strengthening the long-term future of the game.” 

Sutherland said demand for the 2026 championship is already tracking at record levels. 

“Spectator capacity at Kingston Heath will be 25,000 per day, and ticket sales are already well ahead of last year’s tournament, where the weekend was a complete sell-out,” he said. 

“With four days of competition, we are anticipating even greater demand this year and the potential to set a new record for attendance at an Australian golf tournament.” 

“The Capital.com partnership is enabling us to invest in major upgrades to on-course infrastructure, grandstands and fan experiences, ensuring spectators get closer to the action than ever before.” 

Kingston Heath Golf Club General Manager Andrew Taylor said the 2026 championship will deliver a completely new course experience for players and fans alike. 

“This will be the 10th time Kingston Heath has hosted the Australian Open, with the last being in 2024,” Taylor said. 

“For 2026, we are presenting a brand-new championship routing, including a new first tee location that has never been used in competition.” 

“After collaboration with the PGA Tour, it's expected to be the routing configuration for the 2028 Presidents Cup, which adds another layer of appeal for players and fans this year.” 

Capital.com Australia Chief Executive Officer, Thomas McCrickard, said the partnership reflects a long-term commitment to Australia and the sport's place within it.  

“Golf is genuinely embedded in the fabric of Australian sporting life, from elite championship competition to the hundreds of thousands of Australians who hold a registered GA Handicap, McCrickard said.

“It is a sport built on patience, discipline, and the long view — qualities Australian players bring to the course every weekend. Capital.com is proud to support the Australian Open and the GA Handicap, and we look forward to building on this partnership for years to come.” 

Victorian Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “This year’s tournament is shaping up as one of the biggest and most exciting we’ve seen in years, and it’s another chance to showcase Melbourne and Victoria on the global stage.”  

“We’re excited to see one of the all-time greats of the sport, Rory McIlroy, return to Melbourne to tackle another incredible course and draw big crowds. Rory made his love for the Sandbelt clear last year, and this year’s event at Kingston Heath will no doubt be another major drawcard for the world’s best.”  

“Major events like this are vital for our visitor economy because they drive tourism and support local jobs across our hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses.” 

PGA of Australia and Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia CEO Gavin Kirkman said: “The Australian Open is one of the two major events on our calendar and the championship continues to go from strength to strength, from the quality of the field and the calibre of venues, through to fan engagement, broadcast reach and commercial support. 

“With marquee players like Rory McIlroy returning, world-class venues and long-term investment from partners like Capital.com, we believe the tournament is building towards becoming one of the premier events in global golf and firmly establishing itself among the top tournaments in the world.” 

DP World Tour Chief Tournament & Operations Officer Ben Cowen said: “Last year’s Australian Open saw great success, thanks to strong and passionate crowds, a global field, and four days of world-class golf. We look forward to building on that momentum later this year, as we again open our season with an exciting fortnight of golf down under.” 

“We are equally as thrilled to see Rory McIlroy tee it up for a consecutive year in Australia, giving fans another opportunity to catch the back-to-back Masters Champion in action on the Melbourne Sandbelt. Rory is a fantastic ambassador for global golf, and we know will love getting back to play such an iconic venue in Kingston Heath.” 

“With 200 days to go, we extend our thanks to Capital.com for their multi-year commitment to this great national open and look forward to another exciting edition.” 

With support of the partnership, the Capital.com GA Handicap will evolve into a deeper, data-led platform, delivering new insights, content and engagement opportunities for golfers across Australia. 

The Capital.com Australian Open is supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria. 

 

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