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Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen is the defending Australian Open champion. Gary Player holds the record with seven titles. Here's the recent honour roll, the all-time records, and what the winners list tells you before backing anyone in 2026.
Australian Open golf past winners. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen is the defending champion, having beaten Cam Smith by a shot at Royal Melbourne. The championship’s honour roll is one of the most distinguished in golf — Gary Player holds the record with seven titles, ahead of Jack Nicklaus on six. Below: recent champions, the all-time records and what the winners list tells you before backing anyone in 2026.
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Recent Australian Open champions
| Year | Champion | Venue | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen | Royal Melbourne | Won by one shot from Cam Smith, two clear of Si Woo Kim |
| 2024 | Ryggs Johnston | Kingston Heath | Won by three shots — ranked outside the world’s top 900 at the time |
| 2023 | Joaquín Niemann | — | — |
| 2022 | Adrian Meronk | — | First Polish winner of the championship |
| 2019 | Matt Jones | — | Second Australian Open title |
| 2018 | Abraham Ancer | — | — |
| 2017 | Cameron Davis | — | — |
| 2016 | Jordan Spieth | — | Second Australian Open title |
| 2015 | Matt Jones | — | — |
| 2014 | Jordan Spieth | — | — |
| 2013 | Rory McIlroy | — | — |
| 2012 | Peter Senior | — | — |
The championship was not played in 2020 or 2021.
All-time Australian Open records
| Record | Holder |
|---|---|
| Most titles | Gary Player — 7 |
| Second most | Jack Nicklaus — 6 |
| Equal third | Greg Norman and Ivo Whitton — 5 each |
| Defending champion | Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen |
What the honour roll tells you
The greats travelled for this one. Player, Nicklaus and Norman between them won 18 Australian Opens, and Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth have both lifted the trophy this century — Spieth twice. It is a national championship that genuine world-class players have always taken seriously.
But it is also wide open. Ryggs Johnston won in 2024 from outside the world’s top 900, and Cameron Davis and Peter Senior are reminders that home players break through. Because the field is co-sanctioned and the ranking spread is huge, this tournament produces longshot winners more often than a Major does.
Australians win it, but not often enough to assume. Matt Jones (twice), Cameron Davis and Peter Senior appear on the recent list, and Cam Smith went within a shot last year. The home contingent is always live — which is why the “top Australian” market is usually the smarter play than a home outright.
For the 2026 field, venue and betting angles, see our Australian Open golf guide.
Australian Open winners FAQs
Who won the last Australian Open golf?
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, who won at Royal Melbourne by one shot from Cam Smith with Si Woo Kim a further shot back.
Who has won the most Australian Opens?
Gary Player with seven titles, ahead of Jack Nicklaus on six. Greg Norman and Ivo Whitton share third with five each.
Has Rory McIlroy won the Australian Open?
Yes, in 2013. He is confirmed in the field again for the 2026 championship at Kingston Heath.
Which Australians have won recently?
Matt Jones won in 2015 and 2019, Cameron Davis in 2017 and Peter Senior in 2012. Cam Smith finished one shot short in 2025.
Was the Australian Open held every year?
No — the championship was not played in 2020 or 2021.
More golf content
- Australian Open golf — 2026 dates, venue & tips
- The Masters tips
- Golf betting tips hub
- Best betting sites in Australia
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