Perth to host European Tour stop in 2012
After a protracted absence of three years, the European Tour has finally found its way back to Australia, as it is going to conduct the inaugural Perth International Championship in October this year. The last time a European Tour stop was held in the country
was in 2009.
Officials told on Wednesday, the European Tour has now decided to shift its focus to Australia, which is regarded as a hot spot for golf.
On the other hand, the government of Australia also has vowed to provide the much-needed support to the $2-million Perth International Championship.
The immediate response is that the State will sponsor the event, which is slated to start on October 18 and conclude on October 21.
Sponsorship offered by the government is not the only factor boosting Australian golf's image, the Championship is also offering the biggest prize money ever. The size of the purse is the largest so far in the history of Aussie golf.
Kim Hames, who is tourism minister for Western Australia State, said there is still more room for improvement. He said Perth has what it takes to qualify as a hot spot for major golf events.
He added that Perth can cater to top-flight events that typically require massive funding and sponsorship.
Given the capacity of the tourism ministry of Western Australia, he claimed that Perth will attract more spectators and money, giving boost to the local tourism industry.
"We have a three-year agreement for this tournament with options to continue, and our goal is to develop the Perth International into a feature event in the Asia Pacific region that is anchored in Perth," Kim Hames, tourism minister for Western Australia
State, said in a press release.
Offering massive prize money is something that has helped officials of Perth International Championship win the favour of the European Tour. Last year, Australian Masters officials came under intense fire for offering less prize money.
The size of the Aussie Masters' purse was so small that it discouraged players, taking a toll on the event's credibility.
However, with Perth hosting the Championship and offering attractive prize money, Australia will gain ground amid tough competition from other countries like the UK.
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