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.

Smith’s opening round was tough going. Bogeys on the second and fourth were the only blemishes on the front nine but the back nine proved a house of horrors.

The advantage of two early birdies at the 11th and 12th vanished after a vicious triple-bogey on the 15th left her with an opening round score of 6-over 78.

But to her credit Smith bounced back. Her second round included three birdies on the front nine and two on the way home to give her a 4-under score of 68 and a ten shot improvement on the previous day’s play.

Her final round included five birdies but a double bogey on the 14th and bogey on the 17th brought Smith back to a 1-under round of 71 and 1-over for the tournament.

She was joined at 1-over by fellow Australian Dana Lacey.

South Korean teenager Amy Yang won the event with a three round score of 14-under 202 including an extraordinary round of 9-under 63 to win by eight strokes from Finland’s Minea Blomqvist.

Host Annika Sorenstam finished in a group of four Swedes at 7-under.

Scorecard:

1.Amy Yang (KOR) 70-69-63- 202
T2.Minea Blomqvist (FIN) 74-71-63- 208
T2.Mélodie Bourdy (FRA) 71-71-66- 208
T2.Maria Hjorth (SWE) 72-64-72- 208
T2.Lill Saether (NOR) 71-64-73- 208
T13. Nikki Garrett (AUS) 74-67-70- 211
T28. Karen Lunn (AUS) 214
T30. Sarah Nicholson (AUS) 215
T40. Kristie Smith (AUS) 217
T40. Dana Lacey (AUS) 217

Boasting a new milestone of 126 teams, these championships will be a sight to be seen in Adelaide, played on two of Australia’s premier golf courses.

A record 54 women’s teams will fight for the prestigious Espirito Santo Trophy while 72 men’s teams battle it out for the coveted Eisenhower Trophy.

Defending men’s champions the Netherlands have their sights set on victory as will the current women’s title holders South Africa.

With an amazing 52 nations competing in both the men’s and women’s championships, competition will be fierce and no doubt deliver an exciting international flavour showcasing outstanding amateur golfers from every continent.

Golf Australia Chairman and interim CEO Anne Lenagan said “The level of support from around the world for these championships in Adelaide is overwhelming.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity to watch the world’s best amateur golfers; these championships have a reputation for producing major international players.”

Tiger Woods, Aaron Baddeley and Sergio Garcia all competed in the Eisenhower Trophy during their amateur careers as did current women’s world number one Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb in the Espirito Santo.

The championships’ 50 year anniversary coincides with Australia’s victory in the inaugural Eisenhower Trophy at St.Andrews and is the 30 year anniversary of Australia’s first win in the Espirito Santo in Fiji.

It will be the second time Australia has hosted the event since Royal Melbourne in 1968.

The 2008 championships will be held from 8-19 October at The Grange Golf Club’s East and West courses and at The Royal Adelaide Golf Club.

For more information go to WorldAmateur2008.org