Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit champion Travis Smyth will play in front of home crowds twice this Australian summer, confirming his places in both the 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes Golf Club and the Capital.com Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club.

Hailing from Shellharbour, south of Sydney, Smyth will return home for the Australian summer of golf after a breakthrough 12 months on the domestic and international golf stage.

Following a dramatic playoff win in the inaugural ISPS HANDA Japan-Australasia Championship in Auckland, Smyth claimed the 2025/26 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, earning him a full DP World Tour card for the 2026/27 season and an exemption into The Open in July.

He then took his winning form to the Asian Tour, winning at International Series Japan and currently leads the Asian Order of Merit, with six more events on his schedule before returning home.

Serving as a replacement player, Smyth made LIV Golf League history this season by becoming the first player to win two team titles in a single season, with victories with Crushers GC in Korea and Ripper GC in the United Kingdom.

“It’s been a pretty incredible year, and to be able to come back to NSW and compete at the BMW Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes in front of a home crowd is something really special,” Smyth said. “To then close out the year by playing in the Capital.com Australian Open at home is something really special too.

“Winning the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit has opened several doors for me this year, including a DP World Tour Card and the opportunity to return to The Open. To then have the chance to play on LIV and to win team events with two different teams has been great for my confidence. Playing team events is a whole new level of pressure and incredibly rewarding and fun.

“It’ll be great to finish the year at home, and hopefully give the Aussie crowd something to cheer about.”

PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said Smyth’s return would add further depth and experience to the field for the BMW Australian PGA Championship.

“Travis has had an outstanding 12 months, and we’re delighted to welcome him back for the 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship in his home state,” Kirkman said. “He has taken his game to another level and it’s been great to see him make the most of the opportunities that have come his way on the international stage.

“Winning the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit and earning his DP World Tour card and spot at The Open Championship was a terrific achievement, and what he has gone on to accomplish internationally this year has been equally impressive. We’re looking forward to seeing Travis back on home soil and competing for the Kirkwood Cup at The Lakes alongside another strong field.”

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland echoed those sentiments ahead of the Australian Open at Kingston Heath.

“Travis’ rise over the past 12 months has been one of the great stories in Australian golf, and we’re thrilled to have him back competing at the Australian Open,” Sutherland said. “He’s shown a real appetite for the big moments, and there’s no bigger event on home soil than the Australian Open. His performances internationally this year have given him plenty of confidence, and it will be exciting to see him bring that back to Kingston Heath.

“Travis has earned his place on the international stage and will be looking to build on what has already been a remarkable year. It will be fantastic to have him competing for the Stonehaven Cup at Kingston Heath, and we know Australian golf fans will be keen to see how he performs on home soil.”

The 2026 BMW Australian PGA Championship will be held at The Lakes Golf Club from November 26-29, supported by the New South Wales Government through Destination NSW. The Capital.com Australian Open will follow from December 3-6 at Kingston Heath Golf Club, supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.