International eyes will be on the Coffs Coast from tomorrow when the Australian Women’s Classic gets underway at the renowned Bonville Golf Resort.
Co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), the Women’s Professional Golf Association (WPGA), and backed by Destination NSW & the NSW State Government, Golfers from over 30 countries have descended on the Coffs Coast to compete for a purse of around $385,000.
The influx of tourism dollars around the support of the event is welcome news for hard-hit businesses after enduring two years of restrictions due to COVID.
Before the pandemic, international events and visitation to the North Coast area generated more than $70m worth of associated media value for the region.
“The Australian Women’s Classic will again shine a light on The Coffs Coast Internationally” Group Marketing Manager Christopher Winn said.
“We’ve always aimed to blend our region’s natural elements with the player experience; that’s never been more important as we celebrate becoming NSW first Eco-Certified destination.”
State Member Gurmesh Singh was thrilled to see the sports best and brightest women back in the region after almost two and a half years.
“The Australian Women’s Classic Bonville contributes significantly to the visibility of Coffs Harbour as a destination to both domestic and International markets.”
It’s a celebration of professional sport, set in one of the most stunning locations in the world.”
Rising local stars Cassie Porter and Amelia Mehment-Grohn, alongside Swedish gun Maja Stark, got to sample some of the stunning views of the Coffs harbour precinct and hinterland on a visit to the environmentally significant Muttonbird Island, at the head of the entrance to the town’s harbour earlier today.
The Island experience was an eye-opener for Swedish Star Maja Stark, who had never been south of the equator before her arrival on Australian soil last weekend.
“This is very different, I’ve never seen anything like it before,” the Swede gushed as she took in the view. “I didn’t expect this, to be honest, it’s really beautiful.”
For Grohn, a Coffs Harbour local, the trip out to the island was a welcome respite to one of her first ‘home game’ tournaments since turning professional last year.
“It’s cool to have internationals back playing here again. It’s really cool to see some of the girls I played against in college in my hometown and see what regional Australia offers.”
This year’s edition of the Australian Women’s Classic will also be broadcast live across Kayo and Foxtel channels, with the broadcast set to begin at around 11.30 am from Friday through to the end of play on Sunday.