Harold Varner III will return to continue his love affair with the Gold Coast and defend his 2016 title as he prepares to tee it up at the Australian PGA Championship - a tournament co-sanctioned by the European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia - from 30 November to 3 December.
Set to make his third appearance on the Gold Coast following a runner-up result in 2015 and his win last year where he held off home favourite Adam Scott, the American will be joined by Marc Leishman, Australia’s most in-form player at RACV Royal Pines Resort.
Varner became the first international visitor in 17 years to lift the Joe Kirkwood Cup after New Zealand’s Greg Turner won in 1999 and the first American to win the Australian PGA Championship since Hale Irwin in 1978.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Gold Coast for the Australian PGA Championship,” said Varner. “Winning in Australia for my first Professional victory was pretty special and it gave me the chance to play in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in my hometown in Akron, Ohio.
“I love playing golf and I love having fun. It’s easy at the Australian PGA Championship; the tournament has a great vibe and everyone is very friendly, cheering me on even though I had two great Aussie players, Andrew (Dodt) and Adam (Scott) just behind me on the leaderboard.
“The Aussie fans and volunteers were just great, it’s almost like playing in front of a home crowd again, I can’t wait to get back.”
Leishman, currently 13th in the Official World Golf Rankings, has won twice on the PGA Tour in 2017 and recorded a further five top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour.
“I have always enjoyed coming to the Gold Coast, it’s a fun tournament in a fun location, I am sure this year will be another excellent week,” said Leishman.
“I always like coming home to play and teeing it up at the Australian PGA Championship was particularly important to me this year so I can attend the Awards evening and thank the Australian golf fans for all their support this year.”
A consistent supporter of the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, this will be the fourth time Leishman has teed it up at RACV Royal Pines Resort with his best result being tied 11th in 2013 and 2014.
“We are delighted to welcome home Marc Leishman and have him join us on the Gold Coast for the Australian PGA Championship,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
“The Australian PGA Championship is a celebration of golf. Each year we like to welcome home our international winners so having Marc in the field was a priority for us.
“Marc is an exceptionally talented player who has had an incredible year. We are thrilled that Australian golf fans will be able to watch Marc compete for the Joe Kirkwood Cup and that he will join us at the Greg Norman Medal.”
Leishman becomes the latest world class addition to the Australian PGA Championship field after World Number 12 Sergio Garcia and former Masters champion Adam Scott confirmed there participation earlier this year.
Australian sports fans will be able to watch Marc Leishman, Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia in action thanks to fan friendly ticket prices viaTicketmaster.
General admission to the Australian PGA Championship is $25* when purchased at the gate or via Ticketmaster with children, 16 and under, granted free admission when attending with a paying adult.
