The Emirates Australian Open will return to Melbourne in 2020 and 2022.

It will be first occasion Australia’s premier event is headed south from Sydney since 2005 when Robert Allenby won the Stonehaven Trophy at Moonah Links.

Robert Allenby wins the the 2005 Australian Ope and the last occasion the event was held in Melbourne.

Dates and venues are yet to be determined, but in conjunction with the Victorian Government, Golf Australia is pleased to confirm that the two “release years” in the current eight-year contract to play in Sydney will be exercised on Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt.

Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said the 2020 event would be the first since 2005 to be played outside Sydney.

“We’re excited to see the national championship return to Melbourne in 2020 and 2022 and we know that the golf clubs and golfers of Victoria will be delighted to have the Emirates Australian Open played on Victorian soil again,” Pitt said.

“These tournaments will be played on two of our country’s greatest courses and we are expecting them to be wonderful events.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren was delighted that Melbourne would host the nation’s oldest continually run professional event.

“Victorian golf fans have a lot to look forward to as we bring the Emirates Australian Open back to Melbourne after 15 years,” Eren said.

“Thousands of travellers will be making their way to Victoria to see the world’s best in action and we’ll be showcasing what we do best to millions more on television.”

Mark Hardess, Australian Open tournament director for promoter Lagardère Sports, was also excited.

“The national Open is one of the most prestigious events on the Australian sporting calendar and I’m delighted for the golf-loving fans of Victoria that the Emirates Australian Open will again be staged in Melbourne after a 15-year wait,” Hardess said.