The Oates Victorian Open will be played from 5-8 February during the upcoming 2015 tournament season and will be hosted for the third consecutive year at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads.
For the past two years since moving the PGA Tour of Australasia and ALPG sanctioned tournament to the Greater Geelong region, the Oates Vic Open has been played in the third week of February. Moving it forwards a fortnight will allow the tournament to attract even stronger fields of players.
The tournament will continue its unique format by simultaneously staging the men’s and women’s championships on the same courses. During rounds one and two, all players will play one round on each of the Beach and Creek courses before shifting across to the Beach course for the final two rounds after cuts have been made.
PGA of Australia General Manager Tournaments Division, Simon Butterly acknowledged the growth the Oates Vic Open has enjoyed recently and believes the new dates will further enhance its profile on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule.
“The Oates Vic Open has grown significantly in the last two years. The unique format allowing the men and women Professionals to compete alongside each other has created a point of difference which makes it a favourite on the schedule each year.
“We are confident that the earlier date in February will allow a strong field to compete before they head overseas for their 2015 seasons,” Butterly stated.
ALPG Executive Director, Karen Lunn said the dates will work to the tournament’s advantage with it being the lead in tournament to the ALPG’s co-sanctioned events.
“It is very exciting that the Oates Vic Open will be the main lead in event to our co-sanctioned events. We can expect a high quality field with many of the leading Ladies European Tour players expected to make the journey to Australia in 2015.
“We thank Oates for their continued support of the Victorian Open, and thank the PGA Tour of Australasia and Golf Victoria for their commitment to making this event one of the most successful events on the Australian golfing calendar,” said Lunn.
The defending champions are Matt Griffin and Minjee Lee. Lee, who won the event as an amateur turned professional in early September after holding the Rolex World No.1 female amateur ranking for the majority of 2014.
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