The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has been named as the host venue for the 2013 Australian Masters Tournament, to be played November 14-17 over the club's famed Composite Course. This is the first time Royal Melbourne has hosted the Masters Tournament, in its 35 year history. Previously the event was staged at Huntingdale Golf Club on the Melbourne Sandbelt and in more recent times at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Clubs.
The Hon Minister for Sport and Recreation in the Victorian Government, Hugh Delahunty, welcomed the announcement and reinforced the Victorian Government’s support and backing of major events. “The Victorian Government is delighted to support events like the Australian Masters as we continue to grow our event reputation around the world. We are looking forward to welcoming some of the world’s best golfers to our most famous sandbelt course and to showcasing Melbourne and Victoria to a global audience”, commented Minister Delahunty.
Senior Vice President and Global Managing Director-IMG Golf, Guy Kinnings, remarked: “Australian golf is fortunate to have such outstanding support from the Victorian Government and we are delighted and privileged to have the opportunity to stage the Masters at Royal Melbourne for the first time. It provides a great synergy with our “best in class” positioning to see the world’s best players on the best courses on the sandbelt.”
“The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has a rich history of hosting major tournaments. We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the Australian Masters for the first time and to seeing a top class field test itself on our famous composite course,” said Richard Allen, Captain of The Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
The Australian Masters will be sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and Brian Thorburn, CEO, remarked: “The PGA Tour of Australasia and our players are delighted to have the opportunity to return to the magnificent Royal Melbourne Golf Club and we extend our thanks to the Victorian Government and IMG for their continued commitment to Australian golf."
IMG also reaffirmed its commitment to bring three of the top 25 players in the Official World Golf Rankings to play the Australian Masters and the attraction of Royal Melbourne will undoubtedly further enhance the field.
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