GEELONG: Reigning Women’s British Open champion Georgia Hall is on her way back to the ISPS Handa Vic Open.
Hall, who had her maiden professional victory at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in 2016, has since climbed all the way to No.8 in the world rankings, largely through her groundbreaking major victory at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s in August.
It’s another great coup for the concurrent men’s and women’s tournament which, for the first time, will be jointly sanctioned by the LPGA Tour, ALPG, European Tour and ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia from 7-10 February.
“It is one of my favourite events of the year, and not just because I won it a few years ago, but I actually really enjoy the golf course,” Hall said.
“We get to play it over two courses which is pretty cool and Australia as a whole, it is one of my favorites countries. The people are really nice and I enjoy myself so I am looking forward to coming down to the Vic Open and then playing the (Women's) Australian Open the following week.”
The parade of past champions at the Barwon Heads course includes many from both sides of the draw.
Alongside world No.6 Minjee Lee, who had already confirmed, European stars Joanna Klatten, Marianne Skarpnord and Melissa Reid will also chase a second Vic Open crown.
On the men’s side, it is expected that defending champ Simon Hawkes will tee up alongside Dimi Papadatos, Matt Griffin, Richard Green, Ash Hall, Michael Long, Jason Norris and Kiwi Gareth Paddison.
Golf Australia operations boss Simon Brookhouse was thrilled to have so many familiar faces back on the Bellarine Peninsula.
“Georgia and Minjee have taken their games to the next level after wins at the ISPS Handa Vic Open, but all of our champions have big fan bases locally because of the great memories they’ve created here,” Brookhouse said.
“We are really excited to have their ongoing support and can’t wait to see them back in action next month.”
Hall will be the second reigning major champion in the field, with ANA Inspiration winner Pernilla Lindberg having already committed.
Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy and fellow Victorian Lucas Herbert have already signed on for the men’s tournament.
Entry is free to all Victorian golf club members, but other tickets are on sale through oTix and remain some of the best value in elite sport at $10 per day, $30 for a season pass. Children under 18 and those with a Seniors Card are free. See vicopengolf.com/ticketing for details.
The ISPS Handa Vic Open, which features equal prize money for men and women, is proudly supported by the Victorian Government.
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