Australian Golf Set to Boost Tourism

A new partnership between Australian Golf and Tourism industries has been announced to place Australia as an international leading ‘golf tourism’ destination.

‘Great Golf Course of Australia’ is a new collaboration between premium golf courses, Tourism Australia, State Tourism Offices and the Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA) to tap into the tourism potential of a sport worth AUD$3billion to the Australia economy.

The group will draw on the countries six best golf courses as featured by US Golf Magazine in its ‘Top 100’ courses of the world, to establish Australia as a leading golf destination.

Great Golf Courses of Australia Director Liz Sattler, said promoting of the Australian Golf product internationally is crucial to gaining a larger piece of the golf tourism market.

“Using our six top 100 ranked courses to front the exceptional array of golfing product that Australia has to offer, and combining the marketing and distribution offered by this partnership, we can establish Australia as one of the world's truly great golfing destinations. We believe that Great Golf Courses of Australia is the right vehicle to drive this forward." Ms Slatter said.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said Australia currently has six of the world’s top 100 courses, as well as many others which offer real tourism opportunities.

“We definitely see an opportunity here to build golf into the holiday experience, particularly by tapping into those overseas markets that love their golf, such as China, Korea and Japan," Mr McEvoy said.

“With the PGA on board, and six of the world’s best golf courses to get us started, we have an opportunity here to position Australia as one of the world’s leading golf tourism destinations by showcasing its best courses, and the iconic settings in which they are set.”

PGA chief executive Brian Thorburn said, Golf tourism is vital for both the tourism and sporting economies.

"With over 2,000 PGA Professionals based around this great golfing country, our Members will welcome the opportunity to introduce many new international visitors to Australian golf,” Mr Thorburn said.

“Additionally, through our internationally based Members and the World PGA Alliance, the PGA of Australia has an extensive international network and we look forward to promoting this initiative through PGA Professionals globally."

(Source: eTravelblackboard.com)

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