Peter Fowler won the Australian Senior Open when it was last staged back in 2012.
AFTER a 14-year absence from the national sporting calendar, the Australian Senior Open is making a long-awaited return and in a historic first it will be staged in regional Australia.
City Golf Club at Toowoomba on Queensland’s Darling Downs, has been confirmed as host of the $160,000 championship from October 2–4, marking a significant milestone both for the tournament and for the region.
The move follows the club’s successful hosting of a two-day Legends Tour event last year, which caught the attention of the PGA of Australia.
“The PGA of Australia approached us after that event and asked if we’d be interested in hosting something bigger,” City Golf Club golf operations manager Andrew Humble said.
“When we realised the Australian Senior Open hadn’t been played for so long, we felt it was a real shame. To have an event of that stature missing from the calendar didn’t sit right with us, so we decided to go ahead with it.”
City Golf Club’s commitment goes well beyond a one-off.
The club has secured the Australian Senior Open for the next three years, with prize money set to increase annually.
The tournament boasts a strong list of past champions that reads like a roll call of Australian golf royalty.
An artist’s impression of the new-look City GC at Toowoomba clubhouse and pro shop.
Peter Senior, Peter Fowler, Wayne Grady (twice), Mike Harwood and Noel Ratcliffe have all lifted the trophy. Senior’s 2010 victory came against the likes of two-time major champion Sandy Lyle.
“At one point it was co-sanctioned with the European Tour and all the gun players used to come out and play,” Humble said. “England’s Gary Wolstenholme even won it in 2011. It’s got real pedigree.”
That pedigree is set to be rekindled, with more than 120 players expected to contest this year’s championship. Pre-qualifying will be held on September 28, followed by a pro-am on October 1 before the tournament proper gets underway.
Importantly for the region, the Australian Senior Open will be broadcast Australia-wide and across New Zealand and Asia, providing rare exposure for the Darling Downs on an international stage.
“That’s amazing for this part of the world,” Humble said. “To have the Darling Downs showcased throughout Australasia is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
While the return of the Australian Senior Open is a major coup, it coincides with an equally ambitious period of growth for City Golf Club itself.
The club has committed to a $13 million redevelopment of its clubhouse facilities, a project designed to significantly enhance the member and visitor experience.
Stage two of the upgrade is now underway and includes the construction of a new $2 million pro shop, which Humble hopes will be completed in time for the championship.
“The new pro shop will sit beneath our new gaming facilities and will offer a much-improved retail experience with better accessibility and a modern design,” he said.
The City Golf Club course in Toowoomba, host venue for the Australian Senior Open.
The broader redevelopment includes a brand-new, state-of-the-art gaming room, along with a full refurbishment of the existing gaming space to create a contemporary, comfortable and premium environment for members and guests.
The project is expected to take approximately six months, with completion targeted for August–September 2026. Club management has emphasised that careful planning will ensure minimal disruption during construction while delivering long-term benefits.
“The redevelopment reflects our commitment to providing contemporary, high-quality facilities while still honouring the club’s proud history,” Humble said. “We want to make sure City Golf Club remains a leading destination for members, visitors and major events for many years to come.”
With the Australian Senior Open returning to life — and heading to the regions for the first time — City Golf Club and the Darling Downs are set to enjoy a moment firmly in the national golfing spotlight.
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