After announcing its departure from Coolum earlier this year, the PGA of Australia has confirmed the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be hosted on the Gold Coast at RACV Royal Pines for the next five years. The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola holds great importance to the entire PGA Membership, and the relocation to RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast now provides us with the required assets to grow the tournament,” CEO Brian Thorburn said. With a significant population base and its natural tourism appeal, we now have a wonderful opportunity to attract increased interstate and international visitors to the region and contribute considerably to targets set by Tourism Australia as part of their 2020 vision. The Australian PGA Championship has a reputation for being a fun, relaxed tournament and we think we have the opportunity to not only recreate, but enhance that at RACV Royal Pines. Additionally, the opportunity to work alongside RACV is a significant one, and we re looking forward to developing a multifaceted partnership over the next five years. Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey welcomed the PGA s decision to host the Championship on Queensland s Gold Coast. I am pleased the organisers have been able to secure a new venue which will allow them to get on with planning for the 2013 tournament to be held later in the year, Ms Stuckey said. As we look toward the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, it is major international sporting events like this that showcase the Gold Coast as a premier event and holiday destination. The proud home to the Ladies Masters since 1992, RACV Royal Pines is no stranger to hosting world-class tournaments. The Championship however has previously been contested on the Gold Coast on three occasions, at Surfers Paradise (1970 and 1971) and at Burleigh Heads (1975). 2013 will mark the first time in over 10 years that the PGA Tour of Australasia has staged a major tournament on the Gold Coast, the last being the 2001 Australian Open, won by Stuart Appleby. The Gold Coast is renowned for its world-class golf courses and I am delighted to showcase them during the 2013 Australian PGA Championship, said City of Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate. During the announcement Thorburn also confirmed that Network Ten will continue to broadcast the Championship, with all four days to be showcased live across the country on free-to-air.
Author: Golf Australia