Mimi Rhodes stunned at the tournament at Wollongong Golf Club in 2025. Photo: Golf NSW.
The Illawarra will host one of the most significant events on the women’s golf calendar with the Ford Women’s NSW Open set to provide world-ranking points, career-defining opportunities and the largest prize purse in the tournament’s history.
Wollongong Golf Club will once again welcome a world-class field of players to the region for a championship competition, showcasing impressive skills and talent while also boosting the local economy.
The Ford Women’s NSW Open will return next February after a memorable staging in 2025, now boasting a record-breaking €350,000 (about AUD $600,000) on offer.
“This is the biggest Women’s NSW Open in history, both in terms of prize money and profile,” Golf NSW Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fraser said.
“Wollongong Golf Club proved in 2025 that it provides a world-class stage for this tournament.
“To bring the Ford Women’s NSW Open back in 2026 gives players, fans, and partners the chance to experience another unforgettable week of golf.”
The milestone for the prestigious event, which is co-sanctioned with the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the Ladies European Tour (LET), demonstrates a growth and rising profile of the women’s sport and helps to attract the highest calibre of talent.
“The Ford Women’s NSW Open continues to play a vital role for women’s golf in Australia,” WPGA Tour of Australasia CEO Karen Lunn said.
“With a record prize purse for the tournament and a world-class venue at Wollongong Golf Club, this championship not only attracts elite talent from across the globe but also inspires the next generation of players.”
“Australia holds a special place on the LET calendar, with the Ford Women’s NSW Open continuing to attract some of the world’s most talented players – and Mimi Rhodes’ impressive victory in 2025 is a testament to the championship’s international calibre,” Ladies European Tour CEO Alexandra Armas said.
The Illawarra will also get a glimpse of the action ahead of the championship with the final event of the region qualifying series to be held at The Links Shell Cove earlier that same month.
As well as highlighting the region’s sporting facilities, the event is expected to be a boost for the economy with hotels, restaurants and businesses to benefit from the influx of visitors.
“The Women’s NSW Open is a fantastic opportunity for future golf talent to witness and be inspired by some of the world’s top female golfers in action,” NSW Sport Minister Steve Kamper said.
“It will also showcase the stunning Pacific Ocean backdrop of Wollongong Golf Club to a wide audience, putting Wollongong on the ‘must-visit’ list for visiting golfers who want to experience playing at one of the nation’s most picturesque courses.”
The event will run from 26 February to 1 March 2026, with more details for spectators to come closer to the event.
For more information visit the Golf NSW website.
