The PGA TOUR, on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, announced today that the 59th edition of the World Cup of Golf will return to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with The Metropolitan Golf Club playing host to 28 two-person teams representing their respective countries on November 21-25, 2018.

As one of five events co-sanctioned by the International Federation of PGA Tours, the Melbourne World Cup of Golf is a truly global and historic event, which has been played 58 times since 1953 in 25 countries, and is the only event that sees the world’s best come together and compete for their countries, outside of the Olympics.

“The World Cup of Golf has been a celebrated and valued tradition in the game for decades, and the International Federation of PGA Tours is proud to see that tradition continue in 2018 with the best players from around the globe convening at The Metropolitan Golf Club,” PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “Golf in the Sandbelt region speaks for itself, and we appreciate The Metropolitan Golf Club opening its doors for this historic team event.”

What differentiates the Melbourne World Cup of Golf is the opportunity for the highest-ranked player from each competing country to choose his playing partner, thus maximizing the camaraderie and competitive spirit. The 2018 event will continue with the same format from 2016, with the first and third days of competition played as four-ball (best ball) format and the second and final days as foursomes (alternate shot) play.

Several organizations (Visit Victoria, Golf Australia, the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, Lagardere and the PGA TOUR) worked in collaboration to ensure the stretch of professional golf in Australia with three consecutive world-class events (the Emirates Australian Open, the Melbourne World Cup of Golf, and the Australian PGA Championship) would become a reality for Australia’s golf fans in 2018.

“It is a true thrill to bring this unique, global team-event back to Melbourne and the Sandbelt region,” said Robyn Cooper, Executive Director of the Melbourne World Cup of Golf. “We appreciate the strong cooperation of all involved to ensure Australia’s golf fans would be able to enjoy this spirited team competition in the Sandbelt region. A special thank you goes to Golf Australia and Lagardere for working with us to resolve some scheduling challenges.  The group’s overall combined efforts are certainly in the best interests of golf fans here in Australia.”