In a major coup for local golf fans, Melbourne will host the Emirates Australian Open Golf in 2020 and 2022.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren announced today that the Open will be played in Victoria for the first time since 2005.
Minister Eren met with Golf Australia Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pitt at the Presidents Cup in New Jersey last weekend to finalise the deal and bring the event back to Melbourne.
Many of Australia’s and the world’s top golfers have teed off at the Open, with American Jordan Spieth dominating the event in recent years, taking home the Stonehaven Cup in 2014 and 2016.
Together with the Presidents Cup in 2019, the Open will showcase Melbourne’s sandbelt, adding it to the bucket list of golf fans worldwide.
Golf isn’t just a great way to keep fit and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s a big driver of jobs and the economy too.
More than 300,000 Victorians play golf at more than 350 courses across the state, supporting 6,900 jobs and contributing $849 million to the state’s economy.
Adding the Open to our envied calendar of major events will attract more domestic and international visitors to Victoria and encourage more locals to play this popular pastime.
The Andrews Labor Government recently released Planning for Golf in Victoria, a discussion paper that will help the game grow and ensure local clubs and courses are keeping up with changing participation rates.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Victorian golf fans have a lot to look forward to as we bring the Emirates Australian Open back to Melbourne after 15 years.”
“Thousands of travellers will be making their way to Victoria to see the world’s best in action, and we’ll be showcasing what we do best to millions more on television.”
Quotes attributable to Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt
“We're excited to see the national Open return to Melbourne in 2020 and 2022 and we know that the golf clubs and golfers of Victoria will be delighted to have the Emirates Australian Open played on Victorian soil again.”
“These events will be played on two of our country’s greatest courses and we are expecting them to be wonderful championships.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020