(Metropolitan Golf Club, Melbourne)
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rnPlayers and officials at the Women&aposs Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria, have pledged their support to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund.
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rnThe Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET), who co-sanction the A$500,000 tournament, will donate $5.00 for every birdie made this week. Players are being invited to match this or to donate some of their prize money.
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rn"This tragedy has touched us all – the players have a new focus and are keen to support the bushfire appeal. There is now an added incentive to play well for those affected by this disaster and the Tours are happy to help. Leading players have already committed significant dollars before they have hit a shot, and we are confident Birdies for Bushfires will generate much needed funds," said Warren Sevil, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Ladies Professional Golf Inc.
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rn"Everyone recognises the severity of this natural disaster and we are all keen to support the bushfire victims. Our thoughts are with the friends and families of those who have died and the many who have lost their homes," added Mark Casey, Director of Operations for the Ladies European Tour.
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rnThe 150 players who teed off on Thursday include four-time Australian Open winner Karrie Webb, last week&aposs ANZ Ladies Masters champion Katherine Hull and the 2008 European No.1 Gwladys Nocera. Webb is aiming to win the Patricia Bridges Bowl for the third time running and fifth time in total after her playoff victory at nearby Kingston Heath Golf Club last year.
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Photo: Karrie Webb by Brendan Malone