- Published:
- Sunday 10 February 2019
Victoria has reinforced its position as Australia’s home of golf, with the ISPS Handa Vic Open wrapping up at 13th Beach Golf Links on the Bellarine Peninsula today.
Premier Daniel Andrews today presented the winners’ trophies at 13th Beach to champions Celine Boutier
and David Law after a week of world-class golf.
Record prize money, joint sanctioning by the LPGA Tour, ALPG, European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia as well as support from the Andrews Labor Government will ensure the Vic Open stays on the Bellarine Peninsula until 2022.
As Australia’s only joint men’s and women’s professional golf tournament - and the only tournament in the world where men and women play simultaneously on the same course, for equal prize money, the Vic Open sets a standard for other competitions to follow.
For the first time, the event was broadcast on ABC and Fox Sports Australia on all four days and reached over 750 million households in 162 countries through the Golf Channel and Sky Sports, putting the Bellarine Peninsula on the world stage.
The tournament is one of Geelong and the Bellarine’s largest annual events, providing a massive boost to local tourism operators, jobs and businesses.
More than 300,000 Victorians play golf at over 350 courses across the state, supporting 6,900 jobs and contributing $883.6 million to the state’s economy.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“With record prize money and a home on the Bellarine for another three years, the Vic Open is cementing Victoria’s reputation as a golfing powerhouse.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Not only does the Vic Open bring the world’s best golf to the Bellarine for people to enjoy, it’s a huge win for tourism and local jobs – showcasing regional Victoria to the world.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“We’re proud to bring events like the Vic Open to the Bellarine Peninsula to bring visitors to the region and give local businesses a boost.”