2011 Vic PGA Champion James Nitties
The PGA Tour of Australasia is headed to the Ballarat region for the first time in its history following the announcement that the Victorian PGA Championship has a new home at Forest Resort Creswick.
The Victorian PGA Championship will be contested at Forest Resort Creswick from February 13 – 19, 2012 bringing with it a field of 144 professionals from all corners of Australia.
In a huge coup for the region, the tournament has been secured for the next five years.
“The PGA is pleased to add Creswick to its growing list of tournament hosts and we look forward to what will be a fantastic Victorian PGA Championship come February,” said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia.
“Regional areas such as Ballarat are an important part of the PGA’s tournament strategy and with the support of the local community we look forward to ensuring this event is a huge success.”
Aaron Hipwell of Forest Resort Creswick, says the club is looking forward to showcasing its facilities to some of Australia’s top professionals.
“Controllers of the resort Wellington Capital and the entire team at Forest Resort Creswick are honored to have been entrusted with the Victorian PGA Championship for the next five years,” said Hipwell.
“Not only is it exciting for the Forest Resort, this is also a fantastic coup for the Goldfields and Hepburn regions.
"Ultimately, the local economy will benefit from domestic and international professional golfers being exposed to the beauty and hospitality of this iconic part of Victoria.”
With this announcement the Victorian PGA Championship says goodbye to its recent host venue at Sandhurst and moves to regional Victoria for the first time in over 20 years.
The Victorian PGA Championship was last played in a regional area in 1986 at Warrnambool, and was won by Wayne Smith, father of rising Tour star Kristie Smith.
With a prize purse in 2012 of $120,000 the winner will also take home a start in the PGA Tour of Australasia’s biggest events including the Australian Open, PGA Championship, NZ Open and JBWere Masters.
The Champion will also be granted exemptions for OneAsia, the world’s newest and fastest growing professional golf tour.
The Victorian PGA Championship was first played in 1924 and since this time has been played at some of Victoria’s most prestigious golf clubs including Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Kingston Heath Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club.
Former Champions include Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle and Stuart Appleby and more recently James Nitties (2011,) Alistair Presnell (2010,) Andre Stolz (2009) and Marc Leishman (2008.)
The 2012 Victorian PGA Championship will be played at Forest Resort Creswick from February 13 – 19 2012.
Click here to see the current 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia schedule.