Innovative event for Melbourne — could it be done in NZ?
Innovative event for Melbourne — could it be done in NZ?
By Neville Idour
The Charles Tour has embraced the mixed men and women concept with much acclaim and success. The Victorian Open introduced the same concept in Australia, again with popular reception.
Another variation on that will take place on the Melbourne sandbelt from December 20-23.
John Huggan, of Australian magazine Golf Digest, reported on the inaugural Sandbelt Invitational which will be played at four different courses. Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Peninsula Kingswood and Yarra Yarra all jumped at the chance to be involved. Two are amongst the world’s best golf course and all four are amongst Australia’s best.
The tournament was the idea of former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy and former European Tour player Mike Clayton. The event will have a strong mixed field of 60 professionals and amateurs and the hope is that it will become one of Australia’s biggest tournaments.
Ogilvy’s foundation has put $50,000 towards the purse which is yet to be finalised. Ogilvy and Clayton have been active in promoting a series of one-day mixed 18 hole events to offer promising young players competitive opportunities in these covid times. This concept was an almost natural progression.
However the event will be low key initially. No television coverage. No roped off fairways or scoreboards and probably not too many spectators. It is going to be about the fine venues and the golf.
Australians have for too long talked about the players who are not there for their bigger events. This is about the players who are there.
So in effect it is an extension of New Zealand’s Charles Tour. How would that concept go here? The possibilities are endless. How about in Queenstown? The Hills, Millbrook, Jack’s Point, Arrowtown and Kelvin Heights to choose from.
How about Dunedin — St.Clair, Balmacewen (OtagoGC), Chisholm Links and Taieri, all totally different layouts. Christchurch: Terrace Downs, Clearwater, Shirley Links (Christchurch GC), Pegasus, Russley and Waitikiri to name a few. Wellington: Several courses in the Hutt Valley including Royal Wellington. Auckland: The possibilities are endless. I won’t go any further.
The obvious benefit for venues is they are only out of action to members and green fee players for one day because there are no elaborate infrastructures needed by the clubs. Sponsors should love it with exposure at four quality courses. Definitely food for thought.