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.<\/p>\n
It is the first time the men\u2019s tournament has been included on the European Tour, while the women\u2019s agreement will continue into a third year.<\/p>\n
The news guarantees 13th Beach will welcome a star-studded field from Australia and overseas, ensuring worldwide TV exposure for the Bellarine.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Minister for Sport John Eren said the co-sanctioning of both the men’s and women’s Vic Open events cemented Victoria\u2019s reputation as an international golf hotspot.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Golf Victoria chief executive officer Simon Brookhouse was thrilled with the announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcoming the European Tour to 13th Beach is the latest step in building the Vic Open into one of Australia\u2019s biggest sporting events,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGolf Victoria is proud of the massive growth of the Vic Open and we\u2019re thrilled to be able to provide Europe\u2019s top players with another opportunity to play in Australia and to give Victorian golf fans the chance to witness world-class golf.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event has enjoyed stunning success since its move to 13th Beach five years ago.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year it was announced that total prizemoney would surge to $3 million \u2013 a ten-fold rise on the $300,000 on offer in 2013.<\/p>\n
This increase, which will see both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s fields playing for a pool of $1.5 million, makes it the richest tournament in Australian golf.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said the City of Greater Geelong is a proud supporter of the event via Geelong Major Events funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe growth of the Vic Open since it moved to 13th Beach in 2013 has been amazing, and it\u2019s testament to both the quality of the venue itself, and to our region\u2019s appeal as a host of major sporting events,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The 2019 tournament will run from February 7-10. For more information, visit vicopengolf.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s tournament has been included on the European Tour, while the women\u2019s agreement will continue into […]<\/p>\n