The Women’s Australian Open returns to Victoria Golf Club for the first time in almost four decades with tournament organisers hopeful Karrie Webb’s attendance will help snare more top-10 players.
Australia’s world No.6 Webb, a five-time Open champion, and defending champion Jiyai Shin, the world No.10 who won the tournament at Royal Canberra this year, will both open their LPGA season on Melbourne’s renowned sandbelt from February 13-16.
It is the first time in 38 years Victoria Golf Club will host the tournament.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the sandbelt and Victoria Golf Club,” seven-times major winner Webb said.
“The championship has gone from strength to strength since it joined the LPGA Tour and the players certainly look forward to starting the year in Australia on our best courses.”
Golf Australia chief Stephen Pitt said he hoped to be able to confirm more big-name players.
“Together with world No.6 Karrie Webb and defending champion Jiyai Shin, we’ll be in a position to confirm more of the world’s top-10 players coming to Melbourne in the months ahead for what will be a terrific week of summer golf in Melbourne,” Pitt said.