Golf Vic Vol 60 No 1

As we reflect on yet another outstanding ISPS Handa Vic Open, there’s just one place to start. And that’s by congratulating this year’s champions, Celine Boutier and David Law. Both are first-time winners. Both secured tightly contested victories. And both are at the beginning of what will undoubtedly be promising professional careers. But the success of this year’s Vic Open is not just down to the players. David and Celine, together with the rest of this year’s field, enjoyed the impeccable 13th Beach Golf Links on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Not very many courses could host two tournaments, side-by-side, with such ease. Even better, this event ensures spectators can watch golf as it should be watched – with no ropes, walking the course and watching from behind the player. This experience was shared with viewers from around the globe, reaching some 750 million households in 162 nations. Yet again it’s a testament to the hard work of the ground staff and the tournament organisers. It’s also a striking endorsement of golf in Victoria. We’re rightfully proud of having some of the best courses anywhere in Australia – and the world. But, as we look to the future, it’s just as important that we make sure our game continues to grow. It’s why the ongoing success of the Vic Open is so crucial. It’s why hosting this year’s Presidents Cup, together with the Emirates Australian Open in 2020 and 2022, matters so much. And it’s why overcoming the gender divide is pivotal to golf’s lasting success. Because not only is the Vic Open our State Championship. As John Huggan has described, it’s a model for the future of our game. At the Vic Open – and nowhere else – we’re seeing men and women take to the same course, at the same time, to compete for the same amount of prizemoney. It’s underpinned by a simple yet powerful idea: the sport we love should be open and accessible to everyone. It’s my hope that this same idea will become more prominent in our game. I’d like to commend everyone who’s had a hand in turning this year’s ISPS Handa Vic Open into reality. The volunteers who made it happen. The sponsors who continue to back this event. The players who gave us an outstanding four days of golf in, at times, trying conditions. And, of course, every golf tragic who showed their support. See you next year. MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER Victoria and the Vic Open represents the future of golf The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier isps handa vic open Golf Victoria 5