Victoria has secured one of world golf’s most prestigious tournaments, The Presidents Cup 2019.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem at South Korea’s Jack Nicklaus Golf Club to announce Victoria would become the first location outside the United States to stage the event for a third time.
Victoria has also been awarded hosting rights for the 2016 World Cup of Golf, last won by Australian stars Jason Day and Adam Scott. The tournament will attract the world’s best golfers, who will vie for a $US8 million prize purse.
The Presidents Cup features 24 of the world’s best American and international golfers, who go head to head in a team match play format. The biennial tournament is renowned for its contribution to charities, providing more than $US32 million to 450 organisations worldwide since 1994.
Melbourne first hosted The Presidents Cup in 1998, and then again in 2011. Both instalments have featured 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods, five-time US Open champion Phil Mickelson and former World Number One, Greg Norman, first as a player, then as captain.
Victoria secures the World Cup of Golf at a perfect time, as Day joins compatriot Scott as a recent major winner.
The tournaments are the latest additions to Victoria’s envied calendar of major events, and will attract golf fans from across the globe. The tournaments will deliver an estimated $66 million to Victoria’s economy, create more than 400 jobs, and showcase our state to a combined television audience of 1.7 billion people.
Our events ensure our visitor economy is the best in Australia. Victoria’s steady stream of visitors means our restaurants, hotels and small businesses are full – and that means a stronger state.
The 2019 Presidents Cup and the 2016 World Cup of Golf will be played in November at courses still to be announced.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“The Presidents Cup and the World Cup of Golf are two flagship dates on the sports calendar, and there’s no better place for them than the city that does the big events best.”
“Thousands of travellers will make it here to Melbourne to see the game’s best in action, and we’ll be showcasing our state to millions more on television.”
“Major events are what we do best. They keep our businesses busy, our economy strong and our state high on the list of places to visit for travellers all around the world.”
Reviewed 08 March 2020