Big boys come out to play

THE name players are lining up for a new four-day Pro Am golf tournament to be held at the Noosa, Peregian Springs and Twin Waters Golf Clubs from 15-17 December.
The Sunshine Coast Masters Golf tournament has already attracted 1990 USPGA Champion Wayne Grady and 1991 British Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch plus Rodger Davis, Mike Harwood, Peter O’Malley, Ossie Moore, Terry Price, Anthony Gilligan and Richard Backwell, all multiple winners on world golf tours.
Peregian Springs Gold Club CEO and one of the tournament directors Declan McCollam said Fox Sports would cover the event as well as promoting the Sunshine Coast’s tourism assets.
“The Masters is expected to attract in the vicinity of $300,000 in direct, additional tourism revenue to the region and we will be working to grow over the coming years to attract more and more golfing visitors,” McCollam said.
“Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast Destinations and Tourism Noosa are all supporting the event and look forward to welcoming the guests it delivers to the region.”
The event format was the brainchild of Ian Baker-Finch along with tournament directors Mark Tickle, Allan Harris, Declan McCollam and Stephen Hutchison.
All professional golfers playing in the event are playing on the PGA Legends Tour, the fastest growing tour in Australia according to Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) CEO, Simon Ambrose.
“The Sunshine Coast is an ideal setting to showcase our destination as a golf tourism hub,” Simon said.
“Golf is a key activity for visitors to the Sunshine Coast. Golf accounts for 24 per cent of the Queensland overnight domestic golf market and SCDL is excited to partner with the participating championship courses to support the event.”
“The Sunshine Coast is a haven for golfers and this event will not only showcase and attract more visitors to our world-class courses but also promote our beaches, luxury accommodation, spas and the region’s wider attractions.”
Tourism Noosa CEO Damien Massingham said it would be a major drawcard.
“This event adds to and complements the diverse calendar of events on offer in the region and will increase awareness of the Sunshine Coast as a destination,” he said.
“With increase visitation and spend, everyone in our region will benefit”
The final day will be held at the Twin Waters Golf Club, where the top 30 players from the previous three days will play for an bonus $20,000 in prize money, in addition to the $60,000 played for on the previous three days.
Tournament places for amateur golfers are still available at all three venues and players are encouraged to contact the participating golf clubs.