PINES ON FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
ROYAL Pines will continue to host the Australian PGA Championship for at least another three years.
PGA of Australia officials will today announce they have signed a deal with Royal Pines officials that will keep the premier event at the Gold Coast course until the end of 2020.
The news comes after Cameron Smith yesterday clinched victory in this year’s Championship.
AUSTRALIAN PGA Championship winner Cameron Smith has given his tick of approval to the Royal Pines course that is set to host the national major for another three years.
PGA of Australia officials are today expected to announce they have signed a deal with Royal Pines officials that will keep the premier event at the Gold Coast course until the end of 2020.
Smith lifted this year’s Joe Kirkwood Cup yesterday in the third year since Graham Marsh redesigned the course.
It was Smith’s second win of the year following victory in the Zurich Classic in New Orleans in April.
The 24-year-old said Royal Pines was in the best shape since its redesign, with a settled course allowing the players to produce their best.
“This year is actually the best improvement,” he said.
“We have played three years on this course now since the redesign.
“Last year to this year was a huge improvement with the grass bedding and you can actually play some shots that Mr Marsh wants you to play.
“It was nice to be able to do that, whereas in years past you really couldn’t do anything with some of the holes.”
Royal Pines has hosted the past five Australian PGA Championships with Adam Scott (2013), Greg Chalmers (2014), Nathan Holman (2015), Harold Varner III (2016) and now Smith claiming the Kirkwood Cup.
The new deal will make Royal Pines the third-most used venue for the Australian PGA Championship, with
Royal Melbourne (14 times) and Coolum (11 times) the only two to have hosted more.
Royal Pines general manager John Morris said it was important the event remained on the Gold Coast for both the sport and economic benefits it delivered.
“It’s very much a real feature event on the Gold Coast sporting calendar,” he said.
“It has grown every year and seeing this positive response from the locals too is great.
“We are seeing a real growth and everything about
it has been positive. I have had some great feedback from the golfers.
“They are really pleased with not only the fairways but also the putting surfaces. They are happy with the course and how it has settled in.
“Seeing some of the world’s best golfers in our own backyard is a pretty rare sporting feat. The golfers have been great ambassadors for their sport and the event.
“Having it here definitely raises the awareness of the Gold Coast as a great golfing destination.”