Vic Open steps up again with new sponsor named at launch

THE popular and growing Vic Open will have ISPS Handa as its title sponsor for the next two years, with the announcement made at the tournament launch at GMBHA stadium last Friday.

Executive director Midori Miyazaki told those assembled at the launch that ISPS Handa was delighted to partner with the concurrent men’s and women’s tournament, which will again break new ground in 2019.

The tournament, to be held at 13th Beach Golf Links at Barwon Heads February 7-10, will be jointly sanctioned by the LPGA Tour, ALPG, European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.

ISPS Handa (International Sports Promotion Society) is a Japanese non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the involvement of the visually disabled in golfing.

“It’s wonderful that these bodies can bring such a great event to a global audience,” Ms Miyazaki said. “The Vic Open has been extremely successful in recent years in helping people see golf in a different way – and ISPS Handa hopes, as always, to do the same thing.

“We believe in the power of sport to inspire and being a part arguably the world’s most inclusive tournament will help us to spread that message and break down barriers between communities even further.”

ISPS Handa is already a key supporter of Australasian golf as title sponsor of the Women’s Australian Open, World Super 6 Perth and World Cup of Golf, as well as the PGA Tour of Australasia itself and the recent Australian All Abilities Championship and Disabled Cup tournaments that highlighted golfers with a disability on a global platform.

Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said the ongoing relationship with ISPS Handa through founder Dr Haruhisa Handa and Ms Miyazaki had been a boon for Australian golf at all levels.

“We are again thrilled to partner with our good friends at ISPS Handa, especially at another innovative tournament such as the Vic Open,” Mr Pitt said.

The state government, another key backer of the Vic Open and its expansion to equal prize pools for men and women of $1.5 million each next year, was also delighted to welcome ISPS Handa aboard.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said world-class events such as the Vic Open inspire our next generation of star golfers, give an economic boost to regional Victoria and create local jobs.