Adam Scott didn’t hesitate in confirming his intentions to defend this year’s Australian Masters title knowing the tournament will be staged on the famed Royal Melbourne course in Melbourne.
In the goal of moving the tournament about Melbourne, the event is heading to the Alister McKenzie designed course and being staged from 14th to 17th November, 2013.
Scott continued an unbroken run of having captured at least one tournament a year, since turning pro in 2000, by denying England’s and defending champion, Ian Poulter by four strokes and add an Australian Masters win to his 2009 Australian Open triumph.
Adam Scott jumps at the chance of defending his Australian Masters title at famed Royal Melbourne.
“It’s a great decision and I’m very happy the tournament is going to Royal Melbourne this year,” said Scott.
“For all the time I have been competing in the big events in Australia, I’ve said we should be playing them on Australia’s best courses.
“Now organisers are picking up on that.
“The history of the Masters was always at Huntingdale for some 30 years but in recent years they’ve taken it to some other great Sandbelt course, including Kingston Heath where I won last year.
“And that’s what we should continue to be doing because it’s not only great for Australian golf but for Melbourne, as well.
“So I certainly will be looking forward to going to Royal Melbourne and defending my title.”
This year will mark the 35th anniversary of the Australian Masters and the first time the event has been staged at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
Victorian Minister for Sport and Tourism, Hugh Delahunty, welcomed the announcement and reinforced the Victorian Government’s support and backing of major events.
“The Victorian Government is delighted to support events like the Australian Masters as we continue to grow our event reputation around the world,” he said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming some of the world’s best golfers to our most famous Sandbelt course and to showcasing Melbourne and Victoria to a global audience”.
And Senior Vice President and Global Managing Director-IMG Golf, Guy Kinnings, remarked: “Australian golf is fortunate to have such outstanding support from the Victorian Government and we are delighted and privileged to have the opportunity to stage the Masters at Royal Melbourne for the first time.
“It provides a great synergy with our ‘best in class’ positioning to see the world’s best players on the best courses on the Sandbelt.
Richard Allen, Captain of The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, said: “The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has a rich history of hosting major tournaments. We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the Australian Masters for the first time and to seeing a top class field test itself on our famous composite course.”
And Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA Tour of Australasia, remarked: “The PGA Tour of Australasia and our players are delighted to have the opportunity to return to the magnificent Royal Melbourne Golf Club and we extend our thanks to the Victorian Government and IMG for their continued commitment to Australian golf.”
IMG also reaffirmed its commitment to bring three of the top 25 players in the Official World Golf Rankings to play the Australian Masters and the attraction of Royal Melbourne will undoubtedly further enhance the field.
Royal Melbourne has played host to a number of major tournaments including 1998 and 2011 President Cups and last year’s Australian Women’s Open.
