Great women's golf on the world stage in Melbourne

The 2012 ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open has now been sanctioned by the Ladies Professional Golfing Association (LPGA), and will become part of the global women's tour.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher, said the Victorian Coalition Government, through the Victorian Major Events Company, had worked hard to secure the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open in Melbourne for 2012, 2014 and 2015.

"With the 2012 Open now joining the LPGA Tour, this event will attract more competitors and greater media and branding exposure," Ms Asher said.

"Being a part of the LPGA Tour means Melbourne will see an exceptional international field with Golf Australia expecting in excess of 120 international players to compete in Melbourne on the LPGA Tour.

"There will be greater international media exposure for Australia's premier sporting events city. According to the LPGA, the Open will be broadcast into more than 240 million households in 171 countries, exposing our fantastic events and sporting city to thousands of potential tourists and golf fans."

Golf Australia Chief Executive Stephen Pitt said it was a landmark day for Australian golf and particularly women's golf in Australia.

"We are delighted the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open will be played at Royal Melbourne Golf Club on the LPGA Tour's global stage, and look forward to welcoming the world's best to Melbourne," Mr Pitt said.

The Open's new status will see Australia's national championship become part of a global series of tournaments currently staged in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said sharing the limelight with some of the world's best golfing destinations further promotes Victoria's growing reputation as a world-class stage for stand-out golf tournaments.

The prize money for the 2012 championship will increase from AUD$600,000 in 2011 to US$1.1 million (approximately AUD$1,056,000).

The LPGA is one of the longest-running women's professional sports associations in the world. Australia has nine professional players in the LPGA including Karrie Webb, Lindsey Wright, Katherine Hull and Sarah Kemp.

(Source: Tourism Victoria newsletter – Edition 89)