Queensland Minister for Sport Phil Reeves and Rod Pampling at today's announcement
The future of Australia’s oldest professional golf tournament, the Australian PGA Championship continues to strengthen with the PGA of Australia announcing today an extension of a multi-million dollar agreement through to 2012.
In the grounds of Brisbane’s Parliament House, it was confirmed that the PGA will continue its already successful partnership with the Queensland Government through Queensland Events, the Hyatt Regency Coolum and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to ensure that the event remains at its well loved home for a minimum of three years.
“Our relationship with the Queensland Government dates back to 2000 and with their support the tournament has grown, attracting quality fields and record crowds and with Coke coming on board in 2009 as a long term presenting sponsor the tournament is in a very secure position moving forward," said PGA of Australia Chief Executive Officer Max Garske.
The strategy for this tournament has always been to engage with the Asia Pacific region. With the formation of the OneAsia Tour in 2009 this event is perfectly placed to realise that major objective.”
Queensland Minister for Sport Phil Reeves said that the Government was thrilled to continue its investment in the award winning event.
“2010 marks a decade of support for the Championship and in that time the event has celebrated its centenary in 2005; increased its profile as part of the OneAsia Tour; and attracted international broadcast coverage which promotes Queensland around the globe.”
Mr Reeves also congratulated CEO of the PGA of Australia, Max Garske and his team on creating a host of well-supported tourism events around the Australian PGA Championship that include the Holden Scramble Championship Final and the Pump Golf Junior Festival of Golf.
“From the PGA Ladies Lunch on the annual Sunshine Coast calendar to junior and amateur golf events, there are a host of additional activities which take place during Championship week, creating a substantial boost to Queensland’s profile and tourism economy,” Mr Reeves said.
Popular Australian golfer Rod Pampling who attended the announcement as a representative of the players was glowing in his praise of the Australian PGA Championship.
“As an Australian and a proud Queenslander I can say on behalf of the players that the Australian PGA Championship is our favourite event. Coolum has such a great family atmosphere and that’s why we keep coming back. To see it continue to grow and succeed is fantastic and we hope to be playing up here for many years to come.”
The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola is again the final event on the Australasian and OneAsia Tours in 2010 and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum from December 9-12.