With the global professional golf scene in a state of flux, the Australasian Tour has secured a record partnership and announced a jam-packed schedule with major championship and DP World Tour spots once again up for grabs.
But McIlroy back gracing Melbourne fairways, this time at iconic Kingston Heath from December 3-6, and the PGA Championship at The Lakes, possibly featuring big-hitting fan favourite Bryson DeChambeau, are the two hottest tickets.
Record crowds followed the piped piper of the fairways at last year's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne before McIlroy successfully defended his Masters title at Augusta National in April to ensure more massive galleries will be on hand in 2026.
Officials revealed they were also targeting two-time US Open winner DeChambeau for the PGA, which was last held in Sydney back in 1998.
The 100th staging of one of the Queensland PGA Championship is another feature of the program official unveiled on Monday.
The new season begins in the now traditional style with the PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club on August 27-30 before visiting all mainland states in Australia, as well as New Zealand's North and South islands, across the 19-tournament schedule.
The centenary Queensland PGA Championship will take place on the Kurrai course at Nudgee Golf Club in Brisbane from November 19-22.
Boasting a past champions list that includes Australian greats Greg Norman, David Graham and Peter Senior, the event will be played immediately before the Australian PGA Championship.
Co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, the Australian PGA Championship also marks the start of the Race to Dubai, that tour's season-long rankings competition.
The Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia will also feature two new tournament venues in 2026-27.
Secret Harbour Golf Links, south of Perth, will host the WA Open for the first time, while Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club becomes the new home of Players Series Victoria as a forerunner to hosting next year's Australian Open.
There is a switch of order for the three-leg New Zealand swing in February that proved to be a huge success in 2026.
The New Zealand Open will now be the finale, following the Japan-Australasia Championship that returns for its second year at Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club.
"The Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia schedule showcases everything that makes our tour so special," said PGA of Australia general manager of tournaments and global tour relationships Nick Dastey.
CHALLENGER PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA SCHEDULE:
PNG Open, Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, Aug 27-30
WA PGA Championship, Kalgoorlie Golf Course, Oct 8-11
WA Open, Secret Harbour Golf Links, Oct 15-18
Players Series SA, Willunga Golf Course, Oct 22-25
NSW Open, The Vintage Golf Club, Nov 12-15
Queensland PGA Championship, Nudgee Golf Club, Nov 19-22
Australian PGA Championship, The Lakes Golf Club, Nov 26-29
Australian Open, Kingston Heath Golf Club, Dec 3-6
Vic PGA Championship, Moonah Links Resort, Dec 10-13
Players Series Perth, Royal Fremantle Golf Club, Jan 7-10
Players Series Victoria, Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, Jan 14-17
Vic Open, 13th Beach Golf Links, Jan 21-24
Players Series Murray River, Cobram Barooga Golf Club, Jan 28-31
Players Series Sydney, Castle Hill Country Club, Feb 4-7
NZ PGA Championship, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, Feb 11-14
Japan-Australasia Championship, Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club, Feb 18-21
New Zealand Open, Millbrook Resort, Feb 25-28
The National Tournament, The National Golf Club, March 18-21
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