The PGA of Australia today announced a joint-venture partnership with World Sport Group (WSG) for the Australian PGA Championship, Australia’s oldest professional golf tournament.
Commencing this year, the five-year agreement will see WSG assist delivery of sponsorship and television coverage, as well as professional management and organisation for this season-ending championship on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and the OneAsia tour.
This year, the Australian PGA Championship offers a prize purse of AUD$1.5 million and will be played from December 9th to 12th at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, its home for nearly a decade.
“The Australian PGA Championship is the oldest professional event on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule, and our engagement with World Sport Group will ensure the future prosperity of this event for at least the next five years,” said Max Garske, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia.
“World Sport Group is Asia’s leading sports marketing, media and event management company, and their expertise will afford the Australian PGA Championship many new opportunities that will compliment its co-sanctioning with OneAsia.”
Mark Hardess, President, ASEAN & Australia, World Sport Group added:
“We are delighted to have forged this long term partnership relating to the Australian PGA Championship, one of Australia’s premier golf events and a highlight on OneAsia’s calendar. Together with the PGA of Australia, we are committed to continue growing the stature of this prestigious tournament, and delivering a world-class event for sponsors and fans.”
WSG’s impressive portfolio of golf events already includes the US$5 million Barclays Singapore Open, the US$1.25 million Hero Honda Indian Open and the AUD$1.5 million Australian Open.
To assist with the operational management of the tournament, WSG and the PGA of Australia have appointed Australia’s leading golf promoter TRP Sports as event organisers.
Australian Robert Allenby claimed the Australian PGA Championship last year, having already won the title three times before in 2000, 2001 and 2005. Other past winners include Seve Ballesteros, Geoff Ogilvy and Peter Senior.