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In a major coup for the 2016 Oates Vic Open, Australia’s most decorated female golfer Karrie Webb will step onto the dual course layout of Thirteenth Beach Golf Links from February 4-7.
With 57 professional wins worldwide and two decades playing on tour, the Oates Vic Open will provide a unique experience for Webb, playing alongside a men’s field for the first time in a professional event.
It will also mark the first time Webb has played in the Oates Vic Open and at Thirteenth Beach of which the World Golf Hall of Fame inductee has heard plenty about.
"I have heard a lot about the growth of the Oates Vic Open over the past few years and I think it’s a great idea to play the men's and women's events at the same time. Growing up in a regional town in Queensland, I like the idea of taking the Opens outside of the main cities, so taking it to Thirteenth Beach and the Geelong area gets a big vote from me,” Webb stated.
"I know Stacey Keating and Minjee Lee have won the tournament previously – both winners of my Karrie Webb amateur series, so it would be quite special if I could join them on the trophy.
"I have spoken to quite a few players about the quality of the golf courses and everyone has been very complimentary. This will be an excellent preparation for the ISPS Handa Australian Open and a great way for me to start the year."
Webb turned professional in 1994 and claimed LPGA Rookie of the Year honours in 1996. The Queenslander’s resume includes an impressive 41 LPGA Tour Wins including seven Major Titles, LPGA Player of the Year awards in 1999 and 2000, ESPY Award for Best Female Golfer 1997 and 2001, and induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.
Golf Victoria CEO, Simon Brookhouse is excited to have such an icon of the game competing and is confident the addition of Webb to the event will generate even further interest.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have such an icon of our game commit to play the Oates Vic Open in 2016. It’s a real testament to the growth of the event to be able to attract such a player. Karrie’s record speaks for itself and her list of achievements are far and wide,” said Brookhouse.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity for the Victorian sporting public to come and witness arguably our most successful golfer ever. Karrie is a class act and I have no doubt the interest in next year’s Oates Vic Open will be at fever pitch.”
The 2016 Oates Vic Open will be the fourth consecutive year the event will be hosted at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. Defending champions are Richard Green and Marianne Skarpnord.
The Oates Vic Open is a sanctioned event on the ALPG Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.
For more, visit www.golfvic.org.au/vicopen.