Media Releases
16 June 2008
WOMEN'S AUSTRALIAN OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO JOIN CANBERRA'S CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
The ACT Government has reached preliminary agreement with Golf Australia for Canberra to host the 2013 Women’s Australian Open Golf Championship, as part of the national capital’s centenary celebrations.
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said it would be the first time the national capital had hosted this prestigious championship and represented a coup for the Territory, with significant economic benefits for the city.
"The four-day championship would be a major drawcard for visitors from across the region and around Australia, bringing to town local champions and leading international players of a calibre rarely seen in the national capital," Mr Stanhope said.
"Hosting the championship would showcase Canberra to millions of television viewers across Asia and the northern hemisphere as well as receiving significant national television coverage."
The ACT Government will now commence formal negotiations with Golf Australia.
"We look forward to working with the Board of Golf Australia to secure the championships and deliver a spectacular event that will showcase Canberra to the world," Mr Stanhope said.
The location and cost of the championship are still being negotiated.
Chairman of Golf Australia, Ms Anne Lenagan, said today, "Golf Australia is very excited about the opportunity to partner with the ACT in Canberra's centenary year and is committed to making the 2013 Women's Australian Open an extremely memorable championship."
The Women’s Australian Open has been played 15 times and has been won in the past two years by Karrie Webb at Royal Sydney Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club.
