Jiyai Shin to defend Vic Open title at 13th Beach after Australian Open victory

FORMER world No.1 Jiyai Shin will return to 13th Beach Golf Links next month to defend her Vic Open title, aiming for a rare Australian summer double after winning the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open in December.

The Korean star, who claimed the Australian Open title by two shots at Kingston Heath in Melbourne, will face a strong field at the Vic Open, including defending champion Ashley Lau, LPGA Tour player Jenny Shin, and Japan’s Shina Kanazawa, who finished fifth last year.

13th Beach general manager Rob Hurley said the tournament was shaping up to be an exciting event.

“We’re excited to welcome so many former champions back to 13th Beach for this year’s Vic Open,” Hurley said.

“Having Jiyai return just a few weeks after her Australian Open victory is a big boost for the women’s event and the men’s field has the best of the rising talent on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.”

Shin’s win in Melbourne marked the 65th professional victory of her career, which includes two major championships.

The Vic Open has become a key part of her early-season schedule, combining competition with training in Victoria.

The 2025 Vic Open will be held from February 6-9 at 13th Beach on the Bellarine Peninsula, marking its 12th year at the venue.

The event features men and women competing for equal prizemoney across the Beach and Creek courses.

Early entries for the men’s championship include 2024/25 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia winners Jack Buchanan, Ben Henkel, Phoenix Campbell, Jordan Doull, and Will Bruyeres.

Former Vic Open champions Simon Hawkes, Dimi Papadatos, and Michael Hendry have also confirmed their participation.

The Vic Open will coincide with the Victorian Inclusive Championship for golfers with a disability, along with the return of the Australian Wheelchair Golf Championship for its third year.

The tournament forms part of the second half of the Australian summer of golf, which also features the New Zealand Open and the Australian WPGA Championship.