Australian Open Stays in Sydney until 2015

Golf Australia has been handed a cash injection to chase the game’s biggest stars for the Australian Open.

A long-term partnership between the New South Wales Government and GA announced on Monday locks the event away in Sydney until at least 2015.

The multi-million dollar agreement will enable the tournament to compete with rival tournaments for international players and increase prizemoney, according to GA officials.

This year’s Open will be staged at the Royal Sydney Golf Club in December while the New South Wales Golf Club will be host in 2009, it was also revealed.

GA chairman and interim CEO Anne Lenaghan said the recent success of the Australian Open gave organisers a solid platform for the future.

“The last two Opens in Sydney have witnessed growing crowds, a festival atmosphere and a new sense of ownership and pride in our national championship,” Lenaghan said.

NSW premier Morris Iemma said his government had a long-term vision for the Open.

This year’s Open, scheduled for December 11-14, will see current world No.4 Adam Scott and world No.6 Geoff Ogilvy fighting for a home crown.
from pgatour.com.au

Press release from Golf Australia - Golf Australia and Events New South Wales are thrilled to announce an unprecedented strategic partnership that will secure the Australian Open through to 2015 with the aim of it becoming the premier event in the Asia Pacific region.

This new multi-million dollar agreement enables Golf Australia to accelerate its long term goals for the Open and importantly provides the funding to attract star international players and increase prize money.

Identified as a “Hallmark Event” by the NSW Government in 2007, Premier Morris Iemma was delighted at securing the Open, he stated “We have a long term vision for the Open and are committed to building the Championship into the region’s premier golfing event.

“An enhanced Australian Open will be one of the key sporting attractions in the State’s event calendar, which will be revealed later this year.”

Anne Lenagan, Golf Australia Chairman and interim CEO, said “We are incredibly excited and greatly appreciate the New South Wales’ Government’s support through Events New South Wales. We now have a new platform on which to continue to build on the success of recent Australian Opens.

“The last two Opens in Sydney have witnessed growing crowds, a festival atmosphere and a new sense of ownership and pride in our national championship. Events New South Wales’ vision and commitment can only raise the championship to new levels”.

Continuing to showcase Sydney’s world renowned golf courses it was also announced today that the breathtakingly picturesque New South Wales Golf Club will be home to the 2009 Australian Open.

It will be the first time that the Open will be played at New South Wales Golf Club.

Designed by the legendary Alister Mackenzie, the course is rated as New South Wales’ best and has been consistently ranked in the world’s top 50 golf courses.

This year’s Australian Open is set to make a triumphant return to The Royal Sydney Golf Club from 11 to 14 December.

Current world number 4 Adam Scott along with world number 6 and 2006 US Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy will join 2007 winner Craig Parry in contesting the 93rd Australian Open.

“It’s a great day for golf. An enhanced strategic partnership with Events New South Wales and a joint vision for growth, the opportunity to showcase Australia’s immense talent alongside an international star field on wonderful courses, the future of the Australian Open is very exciting,” added Lenagan.