Magazine - Woods Excites Vic Government

By Editor in Golf on 6th Jan 2010 13:35

The Victorian Government says new economic modelling has vindicated its decision to pay for golfer Tiger Woods to play at last year's Australian Masters.

The Government paid an undisclosed amount to lure the world number one to the tournament, held at Melbourne's Kingston Heath golf course. Victoria's tourism minister, Tim Holding, says about 16,000 people travelled from interstate to see Woods play.

Mr Holding says the event generated about $34 million in economic activity. "There were other places willing to offer Tiger Woods more to come to their cities than it cost Victorians," he said. "It is not a question of opening the chequebook or paying any price; it's a question of recognising that to secure the best events you need a reputation for hosting those events professionally.

"While Tiger Woods was here he commented on the quality of the sandbelt courses here in Victoria. "That was a great advertisement for the state's world-class golf courses, and it was fantastic to see his endorsement of those golf courses going to an international audience."

Mr Holding said Woods was welcome to return to Victoria whenever he liked. "We have made it clear that Tiger is welcome to come play golf any time in Victoria," Mr Holding said. "He has obviously made some announcements about his golfing future - we respect that and we respect his privacy."

Source & More: www.abc.net.au

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