The region’s biggest golfing tournament, the Vic Open, is set to take centre stage again in February, after a year’s absence because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Golf Australia confirmed this week the mixed-gender tournament, which has won plaudits around the golf world for its innovative format, would resume in 2022 with the support of the tate government.
The tournament will take place at 13th Beach Golf Links from February 10 to 13 and will be part of both the WPGA Tour and the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia.
Prize money has been set at a minimum of $820,000 with equal prize pools of $410,000 each for men and women – making it the largest women’s prize purse event in Australia and the second largest prize purse event for the men in Australia this summer.
Fields of 144 men and 72 women will start on the Thursday, with the top 35 men and 35 women and ties making it through to Sunday.
Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said that it was pleasing that government support and the easing of restrictions had made it possible to run the Vic Open again in 2022.
“We’re obviously very proud of the Vic Open,” Sutherland said.
“We are excited about the 2022 event after last year’s absence and wanted to get it happening again because it’s far too good to let go.”
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said the tournament would be a big drawcard for the region, with the best Australian and international golfers to go head-to-head.
“The Vic Open returning shows major events are back in Victoria and we are set for plenty of action in 2022,” he said.
“The Vic Open has a unique spirit of equality and it is another demonstration of why Victoria is Australia’s premier sporting state.”
This will be the ninth consecutive playing of the tournament at 13th Beach, near Barwon Heads, since it took over the tournament in 2013.
13th Beach chairman Grant Phelps said the club was proud to again host the Vic Open.
“Our members and the wider local community are eagerly anticipating the return of this important and unique event which attracts the attention of the golfing world and we all look forward to embracing the tournament after an enforced absence in 2021,” he said.
The Vic Open dates to 1957 and has been won by the likes of Peter Thomson, Greg Norman and current Australian brother and sister stars Minjee Lee and Min Woo Lee.
Since 2012 it has been both a men’s and women’s tournament with equal prize money.
