The Vic Open returns to 13th Beach Golf Links at Barwon Heads this February, with top male, female and all-abilites players competing concurrently.
Australian golfing icon Karrie Webb will headline the women’s field, competing alongside the likes of Grace Kim and Stephanie Kyriacou.
The men’s field includes three of the Australasian Tour PGA’s last six Order of Merit winners in Jake McLeod, Brett Rumford and Matthew Griffin.
Tournament director Nick Dastey said the tournament was shaping up very positively, with players, organisers and spectators alike looking forward to the event.
“Players have had a great break, they’re refreshed and ready to go,” he said.
“The location down at 13th Beach this time of year has a great atmosphere, and I know it’s certainly one of the players’ favourite events.
“Anytime you’re down by the beach on a golf course it always feels pretty good, and both golf courses are top quality and offer something a little bit different.
“And the crowd can be very involved as well; walking the fairways, getting up close and personal with the players. It’s just a great atmosphere. It’s one that all the players make sure they have on their schedule.”
The Vic Open has been held at Barwon Heads since 2013, and in all that time the men’s and women’s events have been played side by side in alternating groups, competing for equal prize money pools of $420,000.
For some years now the All Abilities Championship has also been held alongside the men’s and women’s competitions, and this year Australian All Abilities champion Kipp Popert will make his debut at the Vic Open.
“Back in the day David Greenhill was the brains behind that change to go to a men’s and women’s event, playing alongside each other for the same prize money,” Dastey said.
“And since then we’ve seen a lot of tournaments around the world follow that.
“It just shows what golf can do with equality, and now especially so with the All Abilities section as well.”
The Vic Open runs from February 9-12. Entry is free, with parking provided at a cost of $10 per car.
