- Published:
- Friday 15 June 2018
The Vic Open will become Australia's richest golf tournament in 2019 with the combined prize pool surging to an unprecedented $3 million thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Sport John Eren today visited 13th Beach Golf Course to announce that a record $1.5 million in prize money will be up for grabs for both the men and women competing.
The open is Australia’s only joint men’s and women’s state professional golf tournament and the only tournament in the world where men and women compete for equal prize money, on the same course at the same time.
The announcement means the prize money for the tournament has increased tenfold since moving to 13th Beach in 2013, having gone from $300,000 to $3 million. The Victorian Budget 2018/19 allocated funds to help lock the Vic Open in at 13th Beach Golf Course until 2022.
The prize money will enhance the tournament’s ability to attract the world’s top golfers and bring it one step closer to securing a spot on the men’s and women’s European Tour and potentially the LPGA US Women’s Tour.
Together with the Presidents Cup in 2019, and the Emirates Australian Open Golf locked in for 2020 and 2022, the Vic Open will showcase one of our state’s internationally renowned golf courses, adding it to the bucket list of golf players and fans worldwide.
World-class events like these tournaments give an economic boost to regional Victoria and create jobs for locals, which is why the Labor Government is bringing them to regional Victoria.
More than 300,000 Victorians play golf at more than 350 courses across the state, supporting 6,900 jobs and contributing $883.6 million to the state’s economy. The Vic Open will take place at 13th Beach Golf Course in Barwon Heads from Feb 7-10.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This prize money boost ensures the Vic Open remains an important pathway for local up and coming champions and raises its status on the world stage, cementing Victoria’s reputation as a golfing powerhouse.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“The Victorian Golf Open is a great opportunity for Victoria’s coastal towns to shine. I encourage all golf fans to come along and see the nation’s best in their own backyard.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“The Bellarine Peninsula is a beautiful place to visit and events like the Vic Open encourage more tourists to the area and give local businesses an economic boost.”
Quote attributable to Golf Victoria CEO Simon Brookhouse
“This announcement is fantastic for Victorian golf, securing the future of a landmark tournament with global appeal right here in our state.”