Date: October 24, 2007
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Adelaide gears up for WATC

Exactly one year out from the prestigious event, Golf Australia would like to welcome all players, officials, families, media and spectators planning to visit Adelaide for the 2008 World Amateur Team Championships to be co-hosted by The Grange and Royal Adelaide Golf Clubs, 8-19 October. This global event is the pinnacle of the amateur game for the world&aposs leading male and female golfers who compete respectively for the Eisenhower and Espirito Santo Trophies. 2008 marks the second occasion that Australia has hosted the Championships and the 50th year since the inaugural Eisenhower Trophy was played at St Andrews in Scotland. South Australian Minister for Tourism Jane Lomax Smith said, “We look forward to welcoming the world&aposs leading young golfers for the World Amateur Team Championships. The people of Adelaide are eager to showcase their city and we hope that players, their families and spectators can sample the many brilliant blends of tourism attractions while they are here in South Australia.” Golf Australia Director of Tournaments and Championships, Trevor Herden said, “Golf Australia is delighted to have the opportunity to host the world&aposs premier amateur golfing event. Two of Australia&aposs leading clubs are preparing for the arrival of the world&aposs best young players, and we look forward to seeing what they have to offer.” General Manager of Royal Adelaide Golf Club, Andrew Gay said, “Our club is excited to have the opportunity to host such a prestigious event. Staff have been working tirelessly, and will continue to do so, in order to ensure our facilities are first-class for when the golfing stars of tomorrow arrive in October.” His sentiment was echoed by Barry Linke, General Manager of The Grange Golf Club. “It really is a &aposwho&aposs who&apos of world golf when you look back at players who have represented their countries at this event; names like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson and Australia&aposs own Aaron Baddeley and Karrie Webb. It&aposs an honour to know that young players with the potential to match or even surpass these greats of the game will be here in 2008. The International Golf Federation directs the Championships and representatives of the organisation are currently in Adelaide to inspect facilities, meet officials and discuss the running of the event. To coincide with the visit by the IGF, Golf Australia launched the host nation website. It contains a wealth of information on the city of Adelaide, the host clubs, accommodation, sightseeing packages and will serve as a &aposone stop shop&apos for players, officials, families and anyone planning to visit Adelaide for the event in October. It can be accessed at www.worldamateur2008.org.