The West has won – The NSW Open Golf Championship's new home is now Western Sydney.
THE 84-year-old Championship’s future is secure after the NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, announced the NSW Government will support Golf NSW in growing the state’s major golf championship through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
As a result of this partnership, the Championship will call the Greater Western Sydney area home for the next four years.
The NSW Open Golf Championship provides a great boost to the Western Sydney economy, with the 2015 event, to be held at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, expected to contribute nearly $1.4 million in visitor expenditure.
“Support from the NSW government will allow the event to expand into Asia, developing strategic partnerships with the Chinese Golf Association and many other tournaments throughout the region,” says Mr Ayres.
“It’s a wonderful event with a long and proud history and will showcase the Greater Western Sydney area to Asia and the world,” he added.
Golf NSW Chairman Chris Allen is delighted with the announcement.
“The New South Wales Open showcases the best of golf in New South Wales,”
“The partnership we’ve formed with the NSW Government will not only help boost our Championship, but the game of golf and the economy of greater Western Sydney as well.”
“We’re proud of our Championship’s rich history. It began before the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened back in 1931.”
“With names on it like Kel Nagle, who we’ve now renamed the trophy in honour of, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Lonard, Norman Von Nida, Greg Norman, and Peter Thomson – it’s a Championship that defines legends and has done so since 1931,” says Mr Allen.
To PGA Tour player Peter Lonard, the NSW Open Championship was regarded as one of the biggest events around to play in as he began his professional career.
“It’s great for the young guys coming into the game knowing that it’s going to be played for at least another four years, it gives them tournament experience and a stepping stone to overseas success.”
“And it’s good for the guys who play overseas to fix up their game before the major tournaments begin here,” says Lonard.
The partnership also received praise from Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
“It’s a great Championship with a secure future now; the tournament can really grow,” says Mr Thorburn. “It will attract a stronger field, and more players from Asia.”
“It’s a fantastic event for the NSW Government to get behind.”
The 2015 New South Wales Open Championship will be played at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club from November 12 to 15, 2015. The Championship forms part of the 2015 Australasian PGA Tour schedule. ENTRY IS FREE. For more information visit: www.nswopen.com