Vic Open hits another year

The Vic Open is celebrating its 12th year at the 13th Beach Golf Links next weeks. (Supplied)

The Vic Open will return to the Bellarine Peninsula for another year of great golf and even better competitors.

The event is celebrating its 12th year at the 13th Beach Golf Links from February 6 to 9, with men and women competing simultaneously for equal prize money on the same courses.

Former Vic Open champion Jiyai Shin will go up against defending champion Ashley Lau during the event after securing the ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open title at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath in December.

13th Beach general manager Rob Hurley said he was looking forward to seeing the competitors battle it out during the exciting golf event.

“We’re excited to welcome so many former champions back to 13th Beach for this year’s Vic Open,” he said.

“Entry for spectators is free again this year, and there will be plenty to see and do on and off the golf course in the Vic Open’s renowned relaxed atmosphere.

“Having Jiyai return just a few weeks after her Australian Open victory is a big boost for the women’s event and the men’s field has the best of the rising talent on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.”

Among the men’s championship’s early entries are five of the current 2024/25 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia winners: Jack Buchanan, Ben Henkel, Phoenix Campbell, Jordan Doull and Will Bruyeres.

Three former Vic Open champions, Simon Hawkes, Dimi Papadatos and Michael Hendry, will also compete.

The 2025 Vic Open will also coincided with the Victorian Inclusive Championship for golfers with a disability, and the Australian Wheelchair Golf Championship will return for its third year.

The event forms part of the Summer of Golf in Australia’s second half, which includes the New Zealand Open and the Australian WPGA Championship.