22 Oct 2026

Media Release:

The 2026 Capital.com Australian Open will bring together world-class golf and a festival-style fan experience this December, with The 19th fan village set to transform Kingston Heath Golf Club into a vibrant hub of food, drinks and entertainment.

Opening on Pro-Am day on Wednesday, December 2, and running through to the final round on Sunday, December 6, The 19th will feature a champagne lounge, New York-style pizza, 36 food vendors, 15 bars spanning 110 metres, golf activations and a dedicated Kids Zone.

The precinct will provide the perfect place for fans to soak up the tournament atmosphere, as back-to-back Masters winner Rory McIlroy, 2026 Open champion Ryan Fox and Australian stars Adam Scott and Cam Smith headline the field on Melbourne’s Sandbelt.

“Fans come to the Capital.com Australian Open on the Melbourne Sandbelt to experience world-class golf, but they stay to immerse themselves in the entire atmosphere of the event and to enjoy everything the day has to offer,” General Manager of Major Events and Operations at Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia Antonia Beggs said.

“World-class golf on the Melbourne Sandbelt is at the heart of the Capital.com Australian Open, and around this core is the opportunity for fans to have a brilliant event experience in stunning surroundings thanks to all that the event has to offer outside of the fairways.

"The 19th is the perfect place to savour the food experience from some of the best names in Victoria, enjoy delicious beverages with family and friends and find time to catch up ahead of the busy festive period.”

What's on at The 19th

Drinks. Enjoy a glass of Canard-Duchêne champagne at The Liquorland Lounge, with cheese and wine tasting moments planned through the week. Across the precinct, 110 metres of bars spread over 15 outlets, including ISLA Vodka Bar and the Asahi Super Dry Bar.

Food. More than 250 metres of food outlets and 36 vendors, serving everything from pastries and sandwiches to burgers and pizza. Highlights include:

  • The 19th: Bromley's Bread pastries, Crumbs fresh sandwiches and Madeline's shaker fries
  • St Ali: Melbourne’s coffee institution, at The 19th and on course at the 10th and 12th holes
  • Wonder Pies: pies, Dagwood dogs and loaded fries
  • Royal Stacks: the fan favourite is back, flipping fresh burgers and fries
  • Johnny D's: New York style pizza, from the team behind 400 Gradi
  • Acai Bros: fresh fruit smoothies and acai bowls
Play. Callaway, one of golf’s best-known equipment brands, will host the TRTL Den: a putting activation on the green at The 19th, built around its new TRTL putter. Alongside it, adidas will run a Scratch and Win cart.

Families. Children aged 17 and under go free. The MyGolf Powered By Ripper GC Kids Zone features games, skill challenges, putting competitions and mini golf. A sensory room run by The Inclusion Project will operate near The 19th from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Beyond The 19th
Fans can also take a seat at the Challenger Grandstand, free for all ticket holders, overlooking the 5th and 12th greens. 
 

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