Golf Victoria is pleased to announce the support of a number of key commercial partners that have committed to support the 2013 Victorian Open, being played for the first time at the prestigious Thirteenth Beach Golf Links from Thursday 21 February – Sunday 24 February.
Eleven key partners have pledged their support of the tournament that is unique to world professional golf with both the men and women playing simultaneously on the same course in rounds three and four.
At a gold level, Keno will again be a key partner of the Vic Open having supported the 2012 event.
At a silver level, new partners Daniel Allison & Associates, Coles and Bolle & Bushnell will join returning partner Treasury Wine Estates (Rosemount).
Rounding out the family of partners are the five bronze level partners in Drummond Golf who have continued their long-term support of the event, St. Laurence, The Grovedale Hotel, Millennium Hi-Tech Group and Geelong City Motors.
When the tournament commences on Thursday 21 February, spectators will see 264 players tee it up in the hope of fulfilling the dream of holding up the coveted Victorian Open Championship Trophy on Sunday afternoon.
The Vic Open has one of the richest traditions in Australian Golf’s history, particularly on the Men’s side with the tournament being first played in 1957 and won by some of the game’s biggest names including Gary Player (’59), Peter Thomson (’68, ’73,), Kel Nagle (’67, ’69, ), Greg Norman (’84), Ian Baker-Finch (’85) and Robert Allenby (’91).
In the tournament’s inaugural year being played as a combined men’s and women’s Championship, it was New South Welshman Scott Arnold and Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten who took out the titles. Since, Arnold has earned his card on the European Tour, meanwhile Klatten has propelled herself to be challenging regularly on the Ladies European Tour.
Golf Victoria CEO, Simon Brookhouse was thrilled to welcome all partners with their involvement in the 2013 Vic Open and thanked them for their contribution in the first year of the event being played on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“To make any major tournament work, you have to have great support and we’re very thankful in addition to the wonderful support we’ve received from the State Government and City of Greater Geelong to have attracted a great cross selection of corporate partners.
“Our partners range from multi-national companies through to local businesses and I’m sure all will enjoy their experience at this year’s Open. With Thirteenth Beach being the host venue until at least 2015, we’re hopeful we’ll be able to build on this year’s corporate base to ensure the long-term viability of the event and being able to attract world class fields.
“The Vic Open Pro-Am will be played on Wednesday 20 February where corporate partners will enjoy playing alongside some of the tournament’s leading professionals as well as a number of sporting identities and celebrities,” said Brookhouse.
Tournament action will tee off Thursday morning. Tickets are available at the gate $5 for adults per day, kids (under 18) are free and season passes are just $15.
For all the up-to-date news regarding the 2013 Vic Open, check Golf Victoria’s website, www.golfvic.org.au and follow @VicOpenGolf on twitter.