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)

Australian Open With Unprecedented Field

More of the world’s top 20 players are set for Sydney with World Number 9 Matt Kuchar, World Number 11 Nick Watney, former champions Robert Allenby and John Senden, and American Hunter Mahan all confirming they will be part of the action at the Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club from 10-13 November.

Watney has won twice on the PGA Tour this year and plays the Emirates Australian Open for the first time.

“I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Championship in Sydney,” Watney said. “Most of my family are coming down for it”.

“There seems to be a real buzz around this year’s Open leading into the Presidents Cup and it is amazing how many top international players have won the tournament” he added.

Kuchar will play the Emirates Australian Open for the second time since his debut in 2000 at Kingston Heath Golf Club.

A holder of three PGA Tour titles, Kuchar has had another exceptional year on the PGA Tour including ten Top 10 finishes and twice runner-up.

Robert Allenby lifted the Stonehaven Cup in 1994 and 2005 and returns to the Emirates Australian Open for the first time since 2008.

Hunter Mahan, a three time winner on the PGA Tour, plays the Emirates Australian Open for the first time.

Kuchar, Watney, Allenby, Mahan and Senden join Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy in one of the best fields in years.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said the anticipation for the Emirates Australian Open was building rapidly.

“The excitement around the Open is extraordinary and we want to make sure no one misses out. Get in and buy your tickets now so you can come straight in and get into the thick of the action.,” Pitt said.

“Having players of the calibre of Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney, Hunter Mahan, Robert Allenby and John Senden to Sydney only add to an already spectacular field. The countdown to the Open is well and truly on.”

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris welcomed the news of more world class players coming to Sydney for the Emirates Australian Open.

“The NSW Government through Destination NSW is pleased to support the Emirates Australian Open which is a key international sports event on the NSW Events Calendar.
“There is no doubt our city is synonymous with the Australian Open, having hosted the inaugural championship in 1904, on 35 occasions overall and continuously since 2006.

“This year’s Australian Open is shaping up to be one of the best yet,” he said.

The Emirates Australian Open is again sanctioned by OneAsia and the PGA Tour of Australasia and will be broadcast live on Network Ten.

“The 2011 Emirates Australian Open will boast the best field in recent years and we are delighted to welcome so many of Australia’s and indeed the world’s best golfers to play on the PGA Tour of Australasia,” said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“This year Australian sports fans have a great opportunity to see so many of the world’s best golfers compete in Australia and I hope everyone gets to be a part of such a special year for Australian golf.”

Source: Golf Australia