Golf Australia was delighted to today announce Adelaide as the host city for next year’s ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.
In conjunction with the South Australian Government, we also revealed the city – and three of the country’s most revered tournament venues – would host the next three editions of what has become one of the country’s premier female sporting events.
And in terms of a world-ranked field, you could make a strong case that this is the best annual golf tournament in Australia – regularly drawing more than half of the world’s top 100 players.
We think Adelaide will be a great venue, not only because of its pristine courses, but the enthusiasm shown by all parties involved – the government, clubs and state association – to host the event.
In The Grange in February, Royal Adelaide in 2017 for its 125th anniversary celebrations and then Kooyonga in 2018, we have three host clubs that are the perfect fit for the tournament – they each have wonderful golf courses and will provide a great theatre for the championship.
These clubs see the Open as a real positive and are all right behind it. I’m sure we’re going to see some great championships in the city with at least three years locked in and an option for an extension.
The LPGA Tour has been a major contributor to the growth of the event and I’m sure they and their players will enjoy Adelaide and playing on these amazing courses – and they’ll doubtless enjoy the hospitality of the city as well.
In some ways it’s been a long time coming, but it’s something we’re very excited about seeing eventuate.
Adelaide has been off the map for a couple of years as a major tournament host, but when the world sees such a quality field at such tremendous venues, I’m sure this will cement South Australia’s reputation as golf tourism destination.
Premier Jay Weatherill and the South Australian Government have been terrific and have seen this as being a great event for the state to attract.
The fact that it has become such an important women’s event, not just in golf but all of Australian sport, is critical and we applaud the government for wanting it in Adelaide.
We’re sure the public and South Australian corporate world will support the event and make sure it continues to grow from strength to strength.