Cyclone Alfred Forces Cancellation of Australian WPGA Championship; Indian Golfers Face Setback

Event Cancelled Amid Safety Concerns​

In an unfortunate turn of events, Indian women golfers Diksha Dagar, Pranavi Urs, and Avani Prashanth faced disappointment as the Australian WPGA Championship and Gold Coast Festival of Golf were cancelled due to the impending threat of Cyclone Alfred.

The Ladies European Tour (LET), in close collaboration with the Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club and the WPGA Tour of Australasia, took the unprecedented step of calling off the event before the commencement of the first day's play. This decision followed extensive monitoring of weather forecasts and consultations among stakeholders, prioritizing the safety of players, staff, fans, and everyone involved.

Impact on Indian Golfers' Australian Plans​

This cancellation significantly affects the plans of the three promising Indian golfers. Diksha Dagar, a two-time LET winner, alongside Pranavi Urs and Avani Prashanth—who have both excelled domestically on the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour—had high expectations for the Australian tournaments.

The Australian WPGA Championship was part of a notable three-week series co-sanctioned by the WPGA Tour of Australasia and LET. The other two prominent events in this stretch include the Australian Women’s Classic and the Ford Women’s NSW Open, each boasting substantial prize purses of €300,000.

Severe Weather Conditions Prompt Decision​

Cyclone Alfred is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall, extreme winds, and severe flooding conditions to the region. Given these circumstances, the organizers prioritized safety and made the difficult but necessary choice to cancel the championship.


This decision underscores the commitment of event authorities to safeguarding all participants amid severe weather threats, despite the setback it poses to the players' competitive schedules.