Champions make debut on the Gold Coast - PGA of Australia

Champions make debut on the Gold Coast


Robert Allenby and Greg Chalmers are set to tee it up at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast from 11-14 December.

Robert Allenby and Greg Chalmers are set to tee it up at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast from 11-14 December.

The former Australian PGA Champions will play at the tournaments new home, RACV Royal Pines Resort for the first time when they take to the fairways in December.

A four time champion, Allenby dominated the tournament when it was played in Coolum but is looking forward to teeing it up on the Gold Coast.

"I have some very fond memories from the Australian PGA Championship so I am excited to once again be in the field," said Allenby who last played the tournament in 2012.

"With the tournament now on the Gold Coast it is sure to be a fun week and I look forward to testing my game on the redeveloped Royal Pines layout."

If Allenby were to be victorious in 2014 he would equal the all time most Australian PGA titles, with Kel Nagle and Bill Dunk also having engraved their names five times on the Joe Kirkwood Cup.

"Winning for a fifth time would certainly be an achievement, I aim to play my best golf to try and make that a reality," added Allenby.

"Kel Nagle and Bill Dunk are icons of golf in Australia so to be included in their ilk would be an honour."

However standing between Allenby and the Joe Kirkwood Cup are a number of other former champions teeing up in 2014 including Craig Parry (1992), Peter Lonard (2002, 2004, 2007), Greg Chalmers (2011), Daniel Popovic (2012) as well as World Number 2 and defending champion Adam Scott.

"The addition of six past champions to this year’s Australian PGA Championship shows the depth of Australian talent we will have on display at the Gold Coast this year," said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

"These are players Australian sports fans have cheered for over the years, seen go onto greatness overseas and always enjoy watching on home soil each year."

"This will be the first time since the tournament moved to the Gold Coast that Allenby and Chalmers have teed it up so we hope to see lots of sports fans at Royal Pines spurring them on."

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Jann Stuckey said the returning champions would be a drawcard to the Gold Coast tournament.

"The Australian PGA Championship provides golfing fans with a superb opportunity to see some of the world’s best golfing talent tee off in one of Queensland’s most spectacular destinations," said Ms Stuckey.

"The addition of Allenby and Chalmers to a growing field of talented golfers signifies the 2014 Australian PGA Championship is set to be another memorable tournament on the Gold Coast.

"The Queensland Government’s 20-year plan for tourism, Destination Success, recognises the importance of events such as this in driving visitation to the state’s world-class destinations."

Tickets for the 2014 Australian PGA Championship are on sale at www.ticketek.com.au with children 16 years and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

A discount is available to RACV Auto Club members (inclusive of RACV and RACQ members) who will receive 50 per cent off the gate price.

Visit the Australian PGA Championship website at www.pgachampionship.com.au for further details.

The 2014 Australian PGA Championship will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th December.

The tournament is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast Tourism, RACV Royal Pines Resort, RACV, Emirates, Coca-Cola Amatil, Stella Artois, Amadio Wine, APN Outdoor and Srixon and will be broadcast domestically by the Seven Network.

The Championship is managed by the PGA with the assistance of TRP Sports.


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