Ogilvy talks up Victorian Open as best event in the country

PROFESSIONAL golfer Geoff Ogilvy says the Australian Open needs to follow in the footsteps of the Oates Victorian Open, which is held annually at 13th Beach Golf Links.

In a feature for Golf Australia magazine lamenting the state of the Australian Open called “Tarnished – How the Stonehaven Cup lost its lustre”, Ogilvy said the Vic Open was a great tournament with a great concept – combining men and women’s events – and was played at an interesting venue.

“In four or five years, it has gone from being a largely irrelevant state open to a European Tour and Ladies European Tour event,” Ogilvy said.

“It is now maybe the second-biggest event in the country.

“All of which has been achieved by just running a nice tournament.

“Money was tight, so they clearly decided just to be the best tournament they could be.

“The result is that many of the best women players now come and play.

“The men too – and there will be more than ever of them next February.

“Proof that a quality tournament – run well – doesn’t have to chase the cash.

“As I said, get it right and the money will eventually come.”

Ogilvy said over the past few years, the Vic Open had been widely talked about as the best event in the country.

“And now they are being rewarded for that.

“Next year it will offer more prizemoney than the Australian Open, which is ridiculous.

“Word of mouth is a powerful thing. And shows how possible it is to create a big event by doing all the little things well.”

Ogilvy said sadly, the Australian Open seemed to be heading in the opposite direction.

The Vic Open will become Australian golf’s richest week in 2019 with the combined prize pool surging to an unprecedented $3 million.

That’s more than double the $1.3 million on offer in 2018 and means since moving to 13th Beach Golf Links in 2013, the prize pool has increased ten-fold – from $300,000 to $3 million.

The Vic Open remains the only golf tournament of its kind in the world, with men and women competing for equal prize money, on the same courses at the same time.

And in 2019 that won’t change, with $1.5 million up for grabs in Barwon Heads for both the men’s and women’s fields from February 7-10.

To read the whole story, visit the website at golfaustralia.com.au.