THE Australian Masters has announced a multi-year broadcast partnership with the Nine Network and FOX SPORTS.

In 2009, Nine will broadcast live coverage from Kingston Heath Golf Club on each of the four days with FOX SPORTS also providing live coverage on pay television.

Nine will also incorporate The Today Show into its Australian Masters coverage, featuring interviews with key players and showcasing the world class course at Kingston Heath.

Tickets Almost Sold Out

It was also announced today tickets for the event have almost sold out, including all Saturday and Sunday tickets and all premium grandstand seating. Limited tickets are available for other days.

Commenting on the broadcasting partnership, David Rollo, Vice President-Director of Golf, IMG Australia said: “Nine and FOX SPORTS have a rich history of broadcasting world class sporting events and IMG is thrilled to enter into this partnership.  The change program and vision we set out for the Masters late last year is being realised and based on the unprecedented interest this will be Australia’s hottest sporting ticket this coming summer. 

“As we fully expect the event to be a sell out, fans disappointed not to have secured a ticket will still have the opportunity to experience the event on Nine and FOX SPORTS.”

Jeffrey Browne, Executive Director of the Nine Network, said it was exciting to welcome such a high profile event to Nine’s Wide World of Sports.

Robert Allenby is one of the latest to confirm he will be competing in the event. He will join a growing list including world number one Tiger Woods, Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott. Aaron Baddeley, Stuart Appleby, Mathew Goggin, John Senden, Greg Chalmers, James Nitties, Michael Sim and reigning champion Rod Pampling.

Victorian Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said organisers now expect more than 100,000 people to attend the Masters, to be held at Kingston Heath 12 – 15 November.

 “The 2009 Australian Masters will boost tourism, create jobs and generate up to $19 million for the Victorian economy further cementing our reputation as the major events capital of the world,” Mr Holding said.

“Tiger Woods playing in Melbourne is a great coup for our city and is proving to be a huge drawcard for tourists from around Australia and the world.

 “These tickets sales are unprecedented for a golf event in Australia with over 90 per cent of tickets sold three months out from the event – there are less than 100 season tickets remaining, 1000 general admission passes for Saturday and around 3000 for the opening day.

“Over 35 per cent of tickets sold to date have being purchased from interstate or overseas providing a significant tourism benefit for Victoria. Drawing visitors to Victoria and beaming Melbourne to a global audience is exactly what our major events strategy aims to achieve.

“The Brumby Labor Government and the Australian Masters have worked together to ensure tickets are affordable with general admission tickets for the remaining days only $44.”

David Rollo said with the tournament almost sold out he expected great demand for tickets to the practice day and Pro-Am event.

For more information on the Australian Masters visit www.australianmasters.com.au

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