Date: January 14, 2013
Author:

Vic Open Boosted by Overseas & Local Talent

VIC OPEN FIELD BOOSTED BY LOCAL & OVERSEAS TALENT

With the 2013 Victorian Open just six weeks away, the tournament which will be hosted for the very first time at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links has been given a boost with the player commitments of Matt Griffin, Kristie Smith and Spaniard Tania Elosegui.

Victorian Griffin will tee it up on the men’s side looking to build on some recent success he has enjoyed playing overseas.
In 2012, Griffin earned his debut victory at The Charity High 1 Open on the OneAsia Tour in September. The 29 year old who has had a number of previous Vic Open starts will attempt to have his name etched on the famous trophy that has been won by some of world golf’s biggest names since 1957.
 
This year will mark the second consecutive year the women’s Championship has been played,
having been reintroduced for the first time in 20 years in 2012. With the 2011 New Zealand Women’s Open Champion, Kristie Smith committing to play, the Western Australian may soon have another trophy to display around the home.

Smith who plays on the APLG Tour, Ladies European Tour and Futures Tour has
five professional wins to go with her rich pedigree as an amateur. A 2013 Vic
Open win would be another feather in the 24 year old’s cap.
 

For Elosegui, the 31 year old Spanish LPGA and LET Tour player will hope to start a
trend of international women taking out the Women’s Vic Open with France’s
Joanna Klatten being crowned last year’s Champion. Elosegui is a former winner
of the ABN AMRO Ladies Open on the LET Tour and in 2009, represented the
European Team in the Solheim Cup.
Tournament Director, David Greenhill believes the calibre of players on both the men’s and
women’s sides will be one of the best in the event’s history, particularly in
part due to the timing of the tournament.
“The field for both the men’s and women’s Vic Opens is coming together really well.
Interest is certainly high amongst our best up and coming players. Last year
and for many previous years, we’ve hosted the Vic Open in early January. Late
February is a good option for us in 2013.
“On top of our marquee names such as Richard Green and Stacey Keating, and last year’s
men’s winner Scott Arnold, we are looking forward to seeing the likes of Matty
Griffin, Kristie and Tania.
“We are thrilled that players are talking about our event and are committing early to
play. We will have some more exciting announcements to follow in the coming
weeks,” said Greenhill.
For all the
up-to-date news regarding the 2013 Vic Open, regularly check Golf Victoria’s
website, www.golfvic.org.au
and follow @VicOpenGolf on twitter.
 
-ENDS-