Heather McKay to be honoured as a PSA Hall of Fame Inductee at the 2026 Squash Australian Open Gala Luncheon
Published Mon 08 Dec 2025
Australian squash legend Heather McKay will take centre stage at the 2026 Squash Australian Open Gala Luncheon, where she will be formally inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame. The luncheon will be held from 12.00pm on Saturday, 14 March, at Rydges Hotel within Brisbane’s iconic South Bank precinct.
McKay, widely regarded as the greatest athlete in squash history, dominated the sport throughout the 1960s and 1970s, capturing an unmatched streak of British Open titles and going more than 18 years undefeated in competitive play. Her contribution helped shape the foundation on which modern squash stands today, and her induction into the PSA Hall of Fame recognises not only her extraordinary career but also her lasting influence across generations of players.
This year’s Gala Luncheon, one of the most anticipated events on the Squash Australia calendar, forms part of the broader Squash Australian Open, which returns to the South Bank Piazza from 10–15 March 2026. Following record crowds earlier this year and overwhelming community support despite the disruptions of Cyclone Alfred, excitement is building for another unforgettable celebration of world-class squash.
Guests, athletes, officials, partners and supporters will gather to honour McKay’s historic induction alongside the presentation of the Squash Australia Annual Awards, acknowledging outstanding performances and contributions from the 2025 season.
Squash Australia CEO Robert Donaghue said it was fitting that McKay’s global recognition would be celebrated on home soil during one of the sport’s showcase events.
“Heather McKay is a towering figure in Australian sport and an inspiration to every player who has ever picked up a racquet,” Donaghue said.
“Her induction into the PSA Hall of Fame is another important moment for Australian squash and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with her at the Gala Luncheon. This event is where our community comes together to recognise excellence, honour legacy and look forward to the future—and Heather embodies all of that.”
“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the room as we honour the sport's greatest athlete.”
With roots stretching back to 1928, the Australian Open has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the global squash calendar. Past champions include sporting greats such as Heather McKay herself, Geoff Hunt, Jahangir Khan, Michelle Martin, Chris Dittmar, Sarah Fitz-Gerald, David Palmer and Nicol David.
The tournament continues its rise internationally, holding gold-status on the PSA World Tour—one of only seven gold events globally. Its purpose-built glass court within the South Bank Piazza, overlooking the Brisbane River, remains one of the most distinctive and admired venues across the tour. The 2025 event drew fifteen of the world’s top 20 men and women, alongside a strong contingent of homegrown Australian talent.
Tickets for the 2026 Squash Australian Open Gala Luncheon are available at https://www.squashaus.com.au/
