Linking up: Vic Open is more European

THE fairways at 13th Beach Golf Course just got greener for European Tour competitors with the announcement the popular local event will be co-sanctioned with that tour for both men and women players.

It is the first time the men’s tournament has been included on the European Tour, while the women’s agreement will continue into a third year.

The news guarantees 13th Beach will welcome a star-studded field from Australia and overseas, ensuring worldwide TV exposure for the Bellarine.

It also means the winners will earn a place on the European Tour until the end of 2020, making it a huge opportunity for Australian golfers to expand their careers internationally.

Minister for Sport John Eren said the co-sanctioning of both the men’s and women’s Vic Open events cemented Victoria’s reputation as an international golf hotspot.

“It ensures the tournament remains an important pathway for our local up-and-coming champions while at the same time raising its status on the world stage and bringing the best of the best to our own backyard.”

Golf Victoria chief executive officer Simon Brookhouse was thrilled with the announcement.

“Welcoming the European Tour to 13th Beach is the latest step in building the Vic Open into one of Australia’s biggest sporting events,” he said.

“Golf Victoria is proud of the massive growth of the Vic Open and we’re thrilled to be able to provide Europe’s top players with another opportunity to play in Australia and to give Victorian golf fans the chance to witness world-class golf.”

The event has enjoyed stunning success since its move to 13th Beach five years ago.

Earlier this year it was announced that total prizemoney would surge to $3 million – a ten-fold rise on the $300,000 on offer in 2013.

This increase, which will see both the men’s and women’s fields playing for a pool of $1.5 million, makes it the richest tournament in Australian golf.

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

Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said the City of Greater Geelong is a proud supporter of the event via Geelong Major Events funding.

“The growth of the Vic Open since it moved to 13th Beach in 2013 has been amazing, and it’s testament to both the quality of the venue itself, and to our region’s appeal as a host of major sporting events,” he said.

The 2019 tournament will run from February 7-10. For more information, visit vicopengolf.com.