POPULAR Australian golfer Rod Pampling was one of those giving the thumbs up to the announcement today that the Australian PGA Championship will be staying at its Coolum home for the foreseeable future.
Pampling was on the grounds of Brisbane’s Parliament House as a player representative to hear that an agreement including the PGA of Australia, the Queensland Government, the Hyatt Regency Coolum and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council would ensure the event remains at its well loved home for a minimum of three years.
Pampling was glowing in his praise of the Australian PGA Championship, Australia’s oldest professional golf tournament.
“As an Australian and a proud Queenslander I can say on behalf of the players that the Australian PGA Championship is our favourite event,” Pampling said.
“Coolum has such a great family atmosphere and that’s why we keep coming back. To see it continue to grow and succeed is fantastic and we hope to be playing up here for many years to come.”
PGA of Australia Chief Executive Officer Max Garske said: “A significant part of the success of the Championship was the fact that we had a tri-partied sponsorship with Queensland Events Corp, the Hyatt Regency Coolum through their owners Lend Lease and with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and we are delighted to expand and continue this relationship for the next three years.”
“Our relationship with the Queensland Government dates back to 2000 and with their support the tournament has grown, attracting quality fields and record crowds and with Coke coming on board in 2009 as a long term presenting sponsor the tournament is in a very secure position moving forward. The strategy for this tournament has always been to engage with the Asia Pacific region. With the formation of the OneAsia Tour in 2009 this event is perfectly placed to realise that major objective.”
Queensland Minister for Sport Phil Reeves said that the Government was thrilled to continue its investment in the award winning event.
“The Queensland Government, through Queensland Events and the PGA of Australia have worked together to renew this fine partnership, and we’re thrilled to keep this great event in Queensland,” Mr Reeves said.
“2010 marks a decade of support for the Championship and in that time the event has celebrated its centenary in 2005; increased its profile as part of the OneAsia Tour; and attracted international broadcast coverage which promotes Queensland around the globe.”
The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola is again the final event on the Australasian and OneAsia Tours in 2010 and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum from December 9-12.
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