This year’s tournament (June 14-16) marks a major milestone for the event, welcoming international competitors for the very first time in its history.

Three athletes from Hong Kong will make the journey to Queensland to debut at the event. They will join a talented group of 57 Australian golfers representing the ACT, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Players will be aiming to earn points for the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability, as the tournament is officially sanctioned by Golf Australia.

The 2026 Golf Classic forms part of a year-long national celebration marking 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia. The golden jubilee honours five decades of championing sports inclusion, transforming communities, and empowering athletes with an intellectual disability and/or autism.

Jamie O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Australia, says: "Welcoming international competitors from Hong Kong in the same year we celebrate our 50th
anniversary is a fantastic milestone for sports inclusion in Australia.

"Palm Meadows is set to witness an incredible display of talent, determination, and golf over the next three days".

Special Olympics Australia thanked national partners: Australian Sports Commission, IGA, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Gallagher, Belgravia Apparel and My Plan Manager, as well as its Golf Classic major partners: Golf Australia and Callaway.

Special Olympics Australia is a registered charity providing weekly sports training and
regular competition for people with an intellectual disability and/or autism. They use the power of sport to build a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disability and/or autism.

In 2026, the organisation celebrates 50 years of driving inclusion, building communities and
creating opportunities for people with intellectual disability and/or autism through sport
across Australia.