Golf Australia’s national, as well as the SA, TAS and VIC Order of Merit (OOM) titles will launch with a fresh look in November.

Historically, national and state orders of merit have had different formats – some decided winners with adjusted stroke averages, while others used a points-based system.

But all state open age and junior OOM titles will use similar formats from this summer onwards. Queensland will soon follow suit by reigniting their open age OOM.

Each OOM will use a standardised system, with players awarded points based on their finishing position in ranked events.

A points based system provides the opportunity for direct comparison of a players score against the field, regardless of playing conditions such as weather or differing pars and ratings of the course. It also clearly defines the ranking points that are on offer prior to a tournament commencing.

In addition, it enables the ability for events to be weighted according to ranking status, encourages alternative formats to be included in the calendar (eg. Par 3, stableford) and is consistent with ranking systems in other countries, as well as the WAGR.

For state OOM titles, a player’s final position will be determined by totalling points from a maximum of half the available events.

For national OOM titles, a player’s final position will be determined by totalling points from the best six results for juniors and eight results for open-age players.

For both the national and state OOM titles there will be no minimum number of rounds to be played in order to win the OOM titles.

The revamped competitions begin on 1 November and finish on 31 October, 2021.

With some state OOM seasons currently running until the end of this year, tournaments scheduled between 1 November and 31 December in those states will count towards both the 2020 and 2021 OOM seasons.

All senior OOM titles will remain in their current formats for the time being, with the goal to align those with the structure above in due course.

The OOM events provide significant playing opportunities for golfers around the country, and form part of Golf Australia’s High Performance pathway.

“There are over 40 national open age and junior OOM events and in excess of 220 state open age and junior OOM events throughout Australia”, Therese Magdulski, GA’s General Manager - Events & Operations said.

“It is also pleasing to see events showcase men’s and women’s golf, with most having a men’s and women’s title.”

More information on all OOM titles is available HERE.