Open tipped to grow as word spreads

GOLF Australia’s general manager of operations Simon Brookhouse says he expects even stronger men’s and women’s fields at the 2020 Vic Open as word of mouth spreads.

The 2019 Vic Open was the first time the men’s event has been co-sanctioned with the European Tour and also saw the inaugural year of the LPGA joining forces with the ALPG Tour, arguably providing the tournament with the greatest depth it has seen since switching to its current format.

But Brookhouse said even though the success of the Thirteenth Beach showpiece would continue to grow as first-time players shared their love of the unique event, Golf Australia would be actively pursuing additional big names.

“The word of mouth has been fantastic for us and even during the week the men and women who weren’t here were saying they wish they had have come,” Brookhouse said.

“So I have no doubt the pro- motion from within the ranks will help us but we will certainly be reaching out now the broadcast has gone worldwide to the higher ranked players who were unable to come for various reasons.

“We will be very active and try to get as many great players as we can for next year. We will let the dust settle but it is a 12month thing, and we need to set dates moving forward, but the reality is it is an ongoing thing to get the best players.”

The international flavour of the tournament was on show as it reached its conclusion on Sunday afternoon, with Scotsman David Law and Frenchwoman Celine Boutier claiming victories to round out a thrilling week of golf.

Brookhouse said it had been pleasing to see four tours working together throughout the week to bring fans and players the best experience they could.

“It went really well, and it was always going to be difficult having a bit of unknown with the European Tour and LPGA coming in but the tours and our Australian tours worked really well collaboratively,” he said.

“Obviously there are some teething problems behind the scenes but in terms of the actual event and the player experience and the fan experience I couldn’t speak more highly of the way the tours worked with us and allowed us to not change the look and feel of the event.

“It has always had that very relaxed feel with the spectators on the fairways and having no ropes.”