There have been significant efforts dedicated to increasing community focus on women’s sport in recent years. A large number of advocates have pushed for increased participation rates and opportunities for women across all sports, and golf is no exception.
The attention society and authorities have afforded to women’s sport has greatly benefited Australia’s professional women’s golf tour. Additional government funding and the provision of new events will help female golfers to prosper in the New Year, with new opportunities for competing and earning.
State government
The state government has been instrumental in helping to revive women’s professional golf. The increased support from the government stems from its recent commitment to a women’s sport strategy, coinciding with community interests.
2018 calendar
Two tournaments have been added to the 2018 calendar, meaning there are now five professional women’s golf events within the February to March time frame. The Australian Ladies Classic and the NSW Women’s Open will provide great publicity for women’s golf, as well as playing opportunities for the women.
Both events are to be co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour and secure in the Australian agenda for the next five years.
Having five consecutive tournaments within a close proximity creates a strong appeal for international contestants to travel. Given many of them aren’t able to receive adequate preparation in their home countries’ winter months, the Australian events are an attractive opportunity for practice and competition.
The events are expected to draw in some of the best women golfers in the world, with Sarah Kemp and Rebecca Artis already on board. The two leading NSW players will be in the company of accomplished golfer, Laura Davies, and many more.
Australian Ladies Classic
Following the removal of the Australian Ladies Masters from the golfing calendar, Golf NSW and Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) have been eager to find a replacement. The two organizations approached the state government in light of their new initiative, which resulted in the establishment of the Australian Ladies Classic.
The $350,000 tournament is completely new to the golfing arena and is set to be held at Bonville Golf Resort in February.
NSW Women’s Open
The NSW Women’s Open will be held the week after the Australian Ladies Classic at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club. While Australian golfers are familiar with this tournament, its resurrection sees it held for the first time since 2015.
The efforts expended on women’s golf seem to be paying off, as 2018 shapes up to be a bigger year for female professionals. The new tournaments will help to provide the sport with a much needed lift, while providing the athletes with more career opportunities.