Brody Klinge has been the standout Australian at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong, defeating PDC stars in front of an adoring home crowd. The 34-year-old, relatively unknown in Europe, is now on the verge of a PDC career after a stunning weekend that included wins over Ross Smith and Gian van Veen.
Klinge is the Australian number one on the ADA circuit, having dominated for the past five years. In 2026, he has won eight ADA tour titles, competing against top Oceanic players like Jonny Tata, Ben Robb, and Raymond Smith. His win rate of 88% this year (89 wins from 101 matches) while working full-time in trades and logistics highlights his remarkable consistency. His domestic exploits have almost guaranteed him a PDC World Championship qualification, and his composure on stage suggests he could cause problems at Alexandra Palace.
After losing 1-6 to Stephen Bunting in his first stage experience in Wollongong last year, Klinge has improved dramatically. Following his win against Ross Smith, where he averaged 96 to Smith's 102.88 and hit 8 180s, Klinge said: "I'm over the moon with that. That was the adrenaline rush of my life. I felt a lot more comfortable playing this time around and it showed in my performance. Ross was throwing everything at me. I was lucky he missed at the end there, but I took my chance. I'm on a free rein now - there's no pressure on me." He then beat World Number 2 Gian van Veen, averaging 97.90 and matching Van Veen's 180s, despite missing ten darts at double.
Klinge's statistical improvement is remarkable. Over the last 18 months, his average has risen from 85.65 in February 2025 to 91.31 in August 2026, a jump of nearly six points. His first nine average in the last four months is 104.30, and he is currently averaging higher than Michael Smith, Raymond Van Barneveld, and Dimitri Van Den Bergh. His semi-final run earned him £10,000, and a World Championship appearance guarantees £15,000, potentially funding a European tour Q-School attempt, similar to Adam Leek and Damon Heta.
With his improved stats, stage confidence, and wins over top players, Klinge has the tools to trouble anyone in the first round in London. Whether he follows the path of Simon Whitlock, who became a PDC star after domestic dominance, or Damon Heta, who used prize money to gain a tour card, Australia should push him for more. As he said, there's no pressure on him, and every leg is a bonus.