TIGER WOODS has claimed the winner’s gold jacket at the Australian Masters and while it may not mean as much to him as a green one, the world number one seemed to enjoy his sojourn Down Under.

The $270,000 first prize cheque should be enough to cover the petrol money for his private jet home, with enough left over for plenty of nibbles for the friends and family accompanying him.

As Woods said after accepting the cheque, his mum has spent about that much on furry kangaroos and other souvenirs whilst in Australia.

Of course there is also the matter of the $3.3 million paid to him by the Victorian Government and others to tackle his first Australian tournament in 11 years.

Woods was gracious in victory and left the door open to being back sooner or later – that should at least be for the 2011 Presidents Cup in Melbourne – but no doubt there are already minds whirring away in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane on means of making that happen next year.

Woods struggled to make par on Saturday but there was no sign of that when he stepped up to the plate on Sunday before a crowd of 25,132 wearing the now famous red and black final day uniform.

He seemed to immediately ease into overdrive and even Aussie playing partner Cameron Percy was applauding some of the approach shots.

Woods fired a final round four under 68, finishing on 14 under for the tournament, two shots ahead of overnight co-leader West Australian Greg Chalmers (70) who finished in outright second place. 

Frenchman Francois Delamontagne (69) and American Jason Dufner (70) finished a further shot back and tied for third while overnight leader James Nitties shot a final round 73 to finish outright fifth.

Percy (72) finished equal sixth on eight under par alongside fellow Australian Adam Scott whose final round 69 matched his Saturday score. Stuart Appleby (71) finished a solid tournament a further shot back in eighth place whole Victorian Craig Scott (69) continued a run of impressive form tying for ninth place alongside Swede Klas Eriksson and Spain’s Alejandro Canizares (68).
But it was the 14 time Major Champion who once again stole the limelight, delighting the fascinated Australian crowd with his seventh win of the year and his 93rd career victory. After his round Woods said he had achieved all that he had travelled Down Under to do.
“I got a ‘W, that was the goal this week,” he said.

Complimentary of the Kingston Heath layout, Woods gave it the thumbs up.

“It was a great day today. All the guys have raved about this golf course and I understand why. I enjoy all the sandbelt courses, really, because it brings back shot-making, something that we don’t see enough of in the States.”

Woods began his round with a birdie, quickly evaporating any hangovers from yesterday’s frustrating round of 72. He clicked into gear with birdies at the fifth and sixth making the turn in 33 and picking up another shot at 12 when he smashed a fairway wood from 268 metres to within four metres of the flag, setting up another birdie for a three-shot break on his rivals.

It was when he holed a three-metre birdie putt at the 142-metre par-three 15th that Woods effectively shut out the field but he credited his chasing pack for pushing him all the way.

“James (Nitties) and Greg (Chalmers) back there were playing well, and obviously Cameron (Percy) today could have got off to a quick start. So it was one of those things where you had to make some birdies early, and I was able to do that and I kept it going for most of the day.”

Chalmers, the 1998 Australian Open Champion and current USPGA Tour player, managed some early birdies to keep in contention but near misses for birdie at 14 and 16 proved costly. Despite his runner up finish the West Australian was pleased with his performance and the atmosphere that the tournament had provided for the players all week.

“Even though I finished second, I’m thrilled he was here, I wish he would come every couple of years,” said Chalmers.

“It’s been a pretty fantastic week with the crowd and the atmosphere we had as golfers, it was like a football crowd brought to the golf.”

“That was special, very exciting and it made you play better - it certainly did for me, anyway.”

Adelaide’s Adam Bland’s 67 was the best of Sunday’s rounds while two former Masters champions, Craig Spence, the 1999 winner and Aaron Baddeley (2007) both matched Woods’ 68.

Defending titleholder Rod Pampling fired a final-round 73 to finish equal-14th at minus-four overall.

Victorian Alistair Presnell finished on five under for the tournament in a tie for 12th place and continues to hold the number one position on the Australasian Tour Order of Merit. 

With five events remaining on the 2009 Schedule in the race for the Norman Von Nida Order of Merit Medal, Presnell, winner of the 2009 Moonah Classic is on top with $223, 212, just over $29,000 ahead of second placed Michael Sim ($204, 087) with Steve Alker third ($181, 058) and Greg Chalmers fourth ($153, 000).

For live Australian Masters scoring updates click on the link below

Australian Masters Live Leaderboard

AUSSIES Greg Chalmers and James Nitties share the overnight lead with world number one Tiger Woods all on 10 under going into the final day of the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath.

Two strokes further back the suddenly high profile Cameron Percy will boost that spotlight considerably when he lines up as Woods Sunday playing partner.

Woods was hot and cold all day and later said he had to “turn it around” just to salvage a par 72, highlighting the fact that the comparatively “short” Kingston Heath course does has its defences.

Perfect conditions are forecast for the final day with free to air television coverage on Channel Nine scheduled to begin at 12.30

Round 2

WORLD number one Tiger Woods has his maiden Australian title firmly in his sights after establishing a three shot lead over the rest of the field at the half way mark of the 2009 JBWere Masters at Kingston Heath.

Shooting a second round bogey free four under 68 Woods finished the day on ten under par taking a handy three shot lead over Australians James Nitties and Greg Chalmers and American Jason Dufner.

The 14 time Major Champion, flanked by the majority of the 24, 007 strong crowd, fired off two successive birdies on his opening holes before picking up two more at the sixth and par five 12th. Whilst he enjoys a three shot buffer Woods admitted today was more of a challenge than yesterday’s opening round as the wind picked up late in the day.

“Today I didn’t really do anything great so shoot a 68 was pretty good considering the conditions,” said Woods.

“It was alot faster, the fairways were quicker and it became pretty apparent that you had to miss the ball in the correct spots to have any kind of chance.”

“I didn’t quite hit the ball as clean as I did yesterday, but then again the wind was blowing and I did have a couple of short birdie putts that I missed but I also the two big par putts…so to not drop a shot today on a par, those are the days that you feel quite good about it.”

Nitties, who shot an opening round 66 to hold the overnight lead with Woods was sitting comfortably at nine under par with four holes to play but disappointing bogeys at 15 and 17 saw the 27 year old drop back to seven under and lose his chance to play in tomorrow’s final group with the world number one.

That honour goes to Dufner courtesy of being first in with the scorecard, whilst Nitties and Chalmers will be partnered in the second last group.

It was the same story for 36 year old Chalmers who followed his first round 68 with a shot a solid four under par 69. Eight under after 16 he hooked his second shot on 17 and finished with a bogey.

“I was a little disappointed I made bogey on 17,” said Chalmers, knowing he had missed out playing with Woods tomorrow. “It’s very rare when he comes down here so to play with him at anytime is always a pleasure, so I was a little frustrated by that but at the same time I have played with him before – it just would have been nice in Australia to have a game with Tiger Woods.

It was Dufner though who produced the round of the day shooting a five under 67. The 32 year old American who finished 11th on the FedExCup Standings on the USPGA TOUR shot five birdies on the front nine turning in 31 and reaching nine under par before two late bogeys saw him drop two shots.

Three players are tied for fifth place on six under par including Australians Mathew Goggin (70) and Ashley Hall (69) and Manny Villegas (68), younger brother of USPGATOUR star Camillo. Taking a share of eighth place is Stuart Appleby (70), Cameron Percy (72), New Zealand’s Mahal Pearce (68) and last week’s Cellarbrations Queensland PGA Champion Steven Bowditch.

Of the other leading Australian contenders, John Senden (69) is on two-under alongside Adam Scott (71), a stroke clear of Richard Green (71) while Rod Pampling, who played with Woods, shot a 70 for three-under overall. Craig Parry, also in Woods’ group made the cut by one shot after a 76 and Geoff Ogilvy shot a 73 to finish on one over.

Coming off Thursday’s one-over 73, Aaron Baddeley was in danger of disappearing out the back door when he double-bogeyed his fifth hole for the morning, the par-five 14th, which has proved easy pickings for virtually all the leading contenders.

But the 2007 Australian Masters champion who also won the Australian Open at the Heath in 2000 redeemed himself with a scorching inward nine.

An eagle at the first was the trigger and he kept it going with a flurry of birdies from 5 through 7 for a 68 which has him at three-under overall.

77 players made the cut of three over including amateur Matthew Giles from NSW.

Day three of the 2009 JBWere Masters begins Saturday with the first group teeing off at 7:10am while Dufner and Woods will begin their round at 1:07pm.

ROUND ONE

WORLD number one Tiger Woods is locked in a three way tie for the lead with Aussie young gun James Nitties and South African Branden Grace after the trio fired an impressive six under 66 in the opening round of the 2009 JBWere Masters at Kingston Heath Golf Club.

Woods tore up the course in his first competitive round at the famed Sandbelt Course setting the early pace after teeing off at 7.30am from the tenth tee with playing partners Aussies Craig Parry and defending champion Rod Pampling. 

Flanked by a gallery that quickly doubled from the initial 10,000 dedicated fans, the 14 time Major Champion picked up birdies at the 12th and 14th coming home with another five on his back nine with his only blemish a bogey on 18 (the 9th).

“We just couldn’t believe how soft the greens were today”, said Woods.

“I know they are trying to protect them with the heat and the wind and that’s expected but we were pretty surprised.”

“The wind wasn’t really blowing and the greens were soft so we could be pretty aggressive into the greens.”

“Balls were backing up and that’s pretty different around this golf course.”

Flanked by besotted fans Woods was once again complimentary of the Australian galleries.

“I think the people were extremely respectful and they were trying to police themselves, which was great. You don’t find that very often.”

 “The galleries are very knowledgeable.” 

Melbourne-born-Nova-Castrian Nitties, who has had a solid year on the USPGA Tour as a 2009 rookie used his local knowledge on his way to a bogey free round, the highlight an eagle at the 516 metre par four, 15th.

 “I love Kingston.  It’s in the best shape that I’ve seen it.  I’ve only played about 10 total rounds here, but it’s awesome.  It’s really a pleasure to play,” said Nitties.

“I’ve been a bit rusty.  I’ve played once in the last five weeks, so for me to just come out and hit some half decent shots was my goal.”

Twenty one year South African Branden Grace was the surprise packet of the first round with the little known European Tour player only entering the tournament in a last ditch attempt to regain his European Tour card where he sits in 149th place (the top 115 get their cards).  

In just his second sojourn Down Under and his first visit to Melbourne, Grace revealed that he most likely must finish third in the tournament to retain his card but was optimistic following his first round showing,

I played really solidly today and just really enjoyed it out there,” he said. “I was seven under with two to go and had a bogey on 17 which in the end was just really stupid. I was a unlucky on 18 because my shot was inches from the hole which would have had me in the lead but you know I’m really happy. I am up there and hopefully I can keep playing that way for the next three rounds.”

Just one shot behind the leaders after rounds of 67 are Victorian Cameron Percy, who will enjoy his rookie season on the US Tour in 2010 after finishing eighth on the 2009 Nationwide Tour Money List and New Zealand’s Doug Holloway with the Aussie trio of Greg Chalmers, Mathew Goggin and Peter Nolan tied for sixth place on four under par.

Local favourite Stuart Appleby shot a solid three under par 69 to be three shots off the lead with Craig Parry and Michael Sim on two under, 70 and defending champion Rod Pampling tied for 23rd place alongside Adam Scott with Australia’s highest ranked golfer Geoff Ogilvy at even par alongside Marc Leishman and 2004 Australian Masters champion Richard Green.

Play resumes Friday at 7:30am with the afternoon groups taking to the course at 11:50 featuring Woods, Pampling and Parry at 12:20 starting at the first tee.

The Melbourne temperatures are expected to remain warm with temperatures reaching 29C tomorrow with a hotter weekend ahead as temps reach 35C on Saturday.

Tiger Woods begins the Australian Summer of Golf in a big way at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne.

Australian Masters Leaderboard

THE “Tiger Woods” Australian Masters will be broadcast into 380 million homes worldwide after it was announced today the 2009 event will be co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia.

The JBWere Masters, which will be will be held at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne from November 12 – 15, will be broadcast in Australia on the Nine Network and on FOX SPORTS on each of the four tournament days.

The co-sanctioning by the European Tour will afford the event a huge international television platform and will further highlight a tournament basking in the international spotlight because of the appearance of the World No 1.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to continue our association with the PGA Tour of Australasia by co-sanctioning the JBWere Masters at another superb venue in Kingston Heath.”

“With the tournament taking place just one week before the culmination of the season-long Race to Dubai, the JBWere Masters affords our Members a final opportunity to secure a place among the top 60 players who will contest the Dubai World Championship the following week.

“Additionally, the competition to claim a place in the top 115 and exempt status for 2010 on The European Tour is likely to be equally tight fought, so there is much to play for in Australia next month.”

David Rollo, Vice President Director of Golf, IMG Australia commented, “We are hugely appreciative of the support of the two Tours and look forward to continuing our partnership.  Kingston Heath is one of the finest golf courses in the world and with over 100,000 fans in attendance over the four days, it should provide a great environment that all the players will enjoy.”

Max Garske, CEO, PGA of Australia, stated: “We have enjoyed a long a prosperous relationship with the European Tour, with so many of our members graduating and developing their games further throughout Europe by virtue of the opportunities that these co-sanctioned events provide.  We are delighted to extend this relationship again to the JBWere Masters, and hope it again marks the birthplace of an aspiring Australian golfer’s career.”

Others lining up for the Masters with Woods include Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Michael Campbell, Mat Goggin, Nathan Green, Richard Green, Marc Leishman, James Nitties, Craig Parry, John Senden, Adam Scott, Michael Sim and defending champion Rod Pampling. 

THE Australian Masters has a new name with organisers today announcing JBWere as the new Naming Rights Sponsor for the tournament.

IMG, owner and promoter of the Australian Masters, said today JBWere, one of Australia’s most prestigious wealth management companies, would be its major partner and the event would become the JBWere Masters.

David Rollo, Vice President-Director of Golf, IMG Australia said: “JBWere is regarded as one of Australia’s pre-eminent investment and wealth management companies and we are excited to form an alliance and marketing partnership with a brand and organisation that enjoys such a wonderful tradition and business reputation.

“Our recently implemented vision for the event in adopting a venue rotation policy and delivery of some of the world’s greatest international golfing talent is built around ‘best in class’ presentation and delivery. We are extremely pleased and proud to have a senior partner that shares a similar commitment to excellence,” Mr Rollo said. 

The 2009 JBWere Masters will be held at Kingston Heath Golf Club from 12 – 15 November.

Joining world number one Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvy will be a host of Australian talent including Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Mat Goggin, Marc Leishman, John Senden, Adam Scott, Michael Sim and defending champion Rod Pampling.

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

AUSTRALIAN Robert Allenby has finished in a tie for second as world number one Tiger Woods took his record seventh World Golf Championship Bridgestone Invitational title.

Thanks to a new putting grip, Allenby is a new and confident man on the greens and that helped him to a final round four under 66 in Akron, Ohio.

Woods claimed the USD$8.5 million event by four shots from Allenby and overnight leader and playing partner Padraig Harrington, who imploded with a disastrous triple bogey eight on the 16th.

It was Woods’ 70th career PGA victory and at the age of 33, seven months and 10 days he is now third on the all time list behind Sam Snead (82) and Jack Nicklaus (73), who were both into their forties when they achieved those milestones.

For Allenby, It emerged at the tournament last week that he had softened his stance on threats never to play another Australian event, with the confirmation he would be joining Woods contesting the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath in his home-town of Melbourne in November.

He also didn’t rule out playing at the Australian PGA Championship or even the Australian Open, where comments at the “party hole” started all the “I’ll never play in Australia again” stories.

Following Allenby for his entire final round at the Open at Royal Sydney last year two things were very apparent.

Firstly that whatever he was saying later, he did get heaps of spectator support and before it became controversial later, we noted all the “C’mon Robert” calls from the crowd. (Admittedly, with the din of the party hole we couldn’t hear any of the alleged comments relating to his mother’s cancer that upset the apple cart.)

Secondly, as everyone (and the statistics) were always saying, he was a great ball striker let down miserably by his putting.

Anyone, we thought, would feel shitty missing that many birdie putts.

Now, the 38 year old Australian seems to have found a new lease on life, after following advice from Vijay Singh last month to try the so called claw putting grip.

An all smiling Allenby said his Bridgestone performance this week was his best since winning the triple-crown in Australia in 2005.

“I putted well all four rounds of the British Open and so I thought let’s see what happens this week,” he said after recording his best result this year. “It’s definitely rejuvenated my game that’s for sure.”

 “It’s funny, when you feel good with the putter the rest of your game starts clicking. The putter feels fantastic. I’ve got a lot of confidence with it and now I’m just excited to get out there and play next week.”

When asked about his prospect for a win soon, Allenby replied, “I think there’s no if’s in it, it’s just when, you know it feels good, feels great!”

 As for the rest of the Australians in the field, Mat Goggin, competing in the event for the first time, continued with the form that saw him finish the best of the Australians at the British Open at Turnberry two weeks ago. 

After working with coach Dale Lynch on making adjustments to his swing Goggin’s score improved each day this week. He admitted the swing change took some getting used to but that he was pleased with the way he was hitting off the tee and with his form heading into the USPGA Championship next week. 

 “I drove the ball quite well, I was really pleased,” said Goggin, who finished T22 after a final round two under 68.

“It took me a day or two to get a feel for it (the swing change) and once I got the playing feel it felt comfortable. I feel like I hit the ball as well as I’ve hit it all year, on the weekend, so that’s encouraging.”

Geoff Ogilvy bogeyed six holes in his final round to finish on three over for the day. His up and down round of 73 also included four birdies but he never seemed to find his rhythm. It was a disappointing day for the world number eight as he fell from a tie for fifteenth overnight to finish alongside Goggin in a tie for 22nd. 

Adam Scott was another whose form improved as the tournament went on. A disastrous first round 78 had him on the back foot from day one but the 28 year old Queenslander was happy with his driving which had him ranked fourth for the tournament after recording following rounds of 67, 71 and 70.

“I got off to a bad start on Thursday so I’ve been playing against myself ever since,” said Scott who most recently finished fourth at the Scottish Open.  “I did play well the last three days so I feel my game is in good shape.”

“It’s nice to be finally striking the ball the way I remember I can because I struggled so much with my ball striking this year.”

For other Australasians in the field, Nick O’Hern had a disappointing final round 75 to finish five over for the tournament followed by Scott, New Zealand’s Danny Lee and Stuart Appleby who finished a further shot back and T51st. Nathan Green closed with an even par 70 to finish at nine over par. 

AUSTRALASIAN RESULTS:

T2 RobertAllenby 68, 69, 69, 66 – 272 (-8)

T22 Mat Goggin 73, 71, 68, 68 – 206 (E)

T22 Geoff Ogilvy 69, 71, 67, 73 – 280 (E)

T45 Nick O’Hern 72, 67, 71, 75 – 285 (+5)

T51 Danny Lee NZL 68, 73, 75, 70 – 285 (+6)

T51 Adam Scott 78, 67, 71, 70 – 286 (+6)

T51 Stuart Appleby 74, 68, 69, 75 – 286 (+6)

T64 Nathan Green 74, 71, 74, 70 - 289 (+9)

THE Tiger Woods factor is being touted by organisers of the Australian Masters golf with the announcement today that daily passes to the second round Friday session of the event have sold out.

Premium grandstand seating on the 18th hole have also sold out on every day of the tournament but there are still some daily passes available for the all important Sunday final round.

Vice President, Director of Golf IMG Australia, David Rollo said that interest in the 2009 event has surpassed expectations.

“Our vision to create an iconic sporting event is now being realised and we are delighted that sporting fans from across Australia and overseas are gathering to see the world’s greatest golfers play at Kingston Heath on the famed Melbourne sandbelt,” Rollo said.

“Less than 10% of daily passes for Sunday are still available and given the demand to date we would encourage fans to purchase tickets now to avoid disappointment,” Rollo said.

Daily tickets are still available for Thursday and Saturday along with only 500 season passes providing access to each day of the tournament and practice days.

Travel packages through the official travel agency, Event Travel Office, continue to sell strongly and fans looking to purchase should call 1300 300 756 or visit www.australianmasters.com.au

The 2009 Australian Masters will be held at Kingston Heath Golf Club from 12 – 15 November.

Tickets are available through Ticketek – www.ticketek.com.au.

THE Tiger Woods factor is proving to be a major drawcard for this year’s Australian Masters golf with ticket sales for the final day of the four-day event selling fast.

Victorian Sports Minister James Merlino said more than 70 per cent of the Sunday general admission tickets had been snapped up after four hours on sale, and prime grandstand seating on the 18th green had sold out.

The number of general admission tickets available has been capped at 20,000 a day to keep crowd conditions manageable for spectators and organisers.

Final day tickets are $49 with the lead up days $44. They went on sale at noon on Thrusday.

Mr Merlino said many golf fans were also keen to see the four days of the event and more than 70 per cent of season passes, priced at $169, had also been sold.

“Tiger Woods is the world’s best athlete and first-day ticket sales have proven that golf fans are very excited about seeing the World Number One in Melbourne,” Mr Merlino said.

“If today’s (first day) ticket sales are anything to go by, I’m confident we will see more than 70,000 spectators through the gates at this year’s Masters.

“Five of Australia’s top 10 golf courses are situated in Melbourne’s sandbelt and these courses are recognised as some of the finest in the world.

“What better a place to see the best in the game and home grown World Number Five Geoff Ogilvy on show than our iconic sandbelt.”

The Australian Masters will be held at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath Golf Club from 12-15 November.

Tickets are available through Ticketek on 132 849, at www.ticketek.com.au or by visiting any Ticketek outlet. Travel Packages are available through Event Travel Office and via the Australian Masters website or by calling 1300 300 756.  Australian Masters website.

Australian Masters Tickets Surge

A TIGER WOODS inspired surge is expected when Australian Masters golf tickets go on sale this Thursday June 4.

The tickets will be available for purchase from 12 noon with general admission to the tournament costing $44 per day and the final day $49.

Spectators can purchase a season pass for $169 to access the venue over six days. Children under 14 years of age will receive complimentary access if accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Vice President, Director of Golf IMG Australia, David Rollo said tickets are available for all four tournament days plus the practice day on Tuesday and Pro-Am on Wednesday.

“The Victorian Government and the Australian Masters have worked together to establish a ticketing policy that will ensure the event is affordable and accessible to all.

Admission capped at 20,000 a day

“To ensure we provide the best experience for spectators we have capped general admission to 20,000 on each day so fans should purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment,” Mr Rollo said.

Premier John Brumby said the exciting event would draw a huge crowd and showcase Melbourne to the rest of the world.

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

“Melbourne is the only place fans will see the world’s greatest golfer compete in Australia for some time. We anticipate over 70,000 spectators will be able to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity – many from interstate and overseas.

Strong interest

Ticketek is reporting strong interest in the event with around 60 per cent of people pre-registering for tickets on its website coming from interstate or overseas.

Tickets will be available through Ticketek on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au or by visiting any Ticketek outlet.
Travel Packages are available through Event Travel Office and can be accessed via the travel link on the Australian Masters website or by calling toll free inside Australia 1300 300 756.

The Australian Masters, which will also feature Australian No 1 Geoff Ogilvy,  will be held at Kingston Heath Golf Club from 12 – 15 November, 2009.

Beware Rip-Off Australian Masters Tickets