In the 2007 NSW Open, players made Australian golf history which was repeated in 2008 and continues again in 2009

In a first for Australian golf, an innovative new format introduced a 36 hole Pro Am to be played in conjunction with the NSW Open over the final weekend of the Championship, and this again proved a big hit with players and amateurs at the 2008 NSW Open.

The overwhelming success of this new concept, coupled with relocation of the event to The Vintage; a Greg Norman designed Championship golf course in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country, has guaranteed a bright future for this iconic Australian event. Established back in 1931, this prestigious Championship in its original 'closed' form was only available to players who were New South Welshmen. As the popularity of the tournament grew it was ranked as one of the 'Big 3' together with The Australian Open and The Australian PGA Championship.

Up until 1957 many legends of the golfing world played and won The NSW Open including five time amateur champion Jim Ferrrier, four time winner Norman Von Nida and 2007 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Kel Nagle.

Opening the playing field up to all golfers in 1958 attracted many talented golfers from among local talent and also from around the nation wtih a few internationals wanting to lay claim to The NSW Open title. Many of Australian golf's elite players have their names on the trophy, including Greg Norman, Peter Thompson, Jack Newton, Ian Baker Finch and Craig Parry.

The 1990's saw the NSW Open among other state tournaments face hardship and fall from major event status; a trend which continued until 2000 when the PGA Tour approached the NSW Golf Association to resurrect the Open as part of the development tour. The idea was to ensure that local talent was adequately provided with opportunities and programs to ensure their success in transferring from the Pro Am circuit to the full Australasian Tour.

In 2007 The NSW Open found a new home at The Vintage, Hunter Valley. A strategic alliance between The NSWGA, The PGA and The Vintage is committed to developing this into the benchmark event for Australian golf.

The resurgence of the NSW Open continues and with the scheduling of the 2009 tournament the week immediately prior to the Australian Open, will provide the perfect opportunity for the leading players to vie for the NSW Open title whilst honing their skills for a tilt at the national title the week later.