Matt Griffin with the South Pacific Open trophy

The PGA Tour of Australasia is headed back to warmer climates when it returns to the Tina Golf Club in Noumea for the 2012 South Pacific Golf Open Championship.

New Caledonia is the third country including Australia and New Zealand that the PGA Tour of Australasia will visit when the South Pacific Golf Open Championship tees off from the 26th – 29th September.

This is the second year that the tournament has joined the Tour schedule since its humble beginnings as a pro-am on the NSW/ACT Division Circuit and already it has provided some memorable moments including Victorian Matthew Griffin claiming his maiden professional victory.

Growing at a phenomenal rate, the prize purse for the 2012 South Pacific Golf Open Championship has increased to a substantial $120,000 for the 80 Professionals in the field.

As well as winning AUD$18,000 the champion will gain entry into the PGA Tour of Australasia’s major tournaments including; Perth International, Australian Masters, Emirates Australian Open, Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola and BMW New Zealand Open.

Official World Golf Rankings will also be awarded to the top professionals in the field.

The tournament is again set to embrace an innovative pro-am style format for the first two rounds with Professionals set to play alongside local amateurs who will participate in a qualifying event to enter the field.

Any amateurs equalling or bettering the pro’s cut score will qualify to play the final two rounds.

Tina Golf Club is one of three 18-hole golf courses in New Caledonia.

Just 10 minutes from the town centre, the 72 par Tina Golf Club exploits local geographic diversity along the shore, mangroves and beaches.

Tina, with a club house terrace that overlooks the practice area, is considered by seasoned golfers to be one of the best courses in the South Pacific.