Melbourne, Australia: The PGA Tour has announced a long-term commitment to staging the Presidents Cup in Melbourne, with the biennial global team competition set to return to the iconic Sandbelt in 2028 and 2040.

The 2028 Presidents Cup will mark the event’s fourth visit to Melbourne, matching Gainesville (Virginia, US) for most Cups contested in one city.

The venue for the 2028 Presidents Cup will be announced at a later date. The Presidents Cup was staged at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in its three previous trips to Melbourne (1998, 2011, 2019), with the International Team defeating the US Team in 1998 under the leadership of the late Peter Thomson, while the US Team claimed the Cup in 2011 and 2019.

“Since the Presidents Cup was first staged in Melbourne in 1998, Australia and its passionate fanbase have played a leading role in the growth of the Presidents Cup,” said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

“As the event continues to visit new corners of the globe, we remain committed to a presence in Melbourne and the Sandbelt region, a place our players and fans around the world hold in high regard. Our partnership with State of Victoria and Visit Victoria has been a winning combination, and we’re thrilled with the support we’ve received from Premier Andrews in securing the 2028 and 2040 dates.”

Australia was the Presidents Cup’s first international destination, and has since visited South Africa (2003), Canada (2007) and Korea (2015) in addition to twice returning to Australia.

“Securing two more Presidents Cups is a real coup for Melbourne, promoting our city to the world and providing a boost for tourism and jobs,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula.

The Presidents Cup was last played in 2019 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, which saw the US Team mount a thrilling comeback on the final day to claim victory over a renewed International Team in Australia.

The Presidents Cup will return in 2022 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina (September 20-25), following a one-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re delighted that the Presidents Cup will be back in 2028 and 2040, cementing Melbourne’s position as a global events destination and the major events capital of Australia,” said Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements.

At the 2019 Presidents Cup, the PGA Tour and First Tee announced the creation of the First Tee Australia, which marked the sixth international location for the youth development programme.

The chapter is managed by the PGA of Australia and engages with five local community groups to reach under-served teenagers. As of November 2021, First Tee Australia services approximately 1,100 students at four locations in Melbourne and Tasmania with plans to expand throughout the country in the future.