On 18th February 2016

Women’s Australian Open

2016 Women's Australian OpenA number of members have recently enquired as to why Glenelg Golf Club was not considered as a venue for the Women’s Australian Open from 2016 to 2018.

Golf Australia’s chief executive officer Stephen Pitt, in conjunction with the South Australian Minister for Recreation and Sport and Minister for Tourism, Leon Bignell, announced the historic move late last year with The Grange’s West Course currently hosting the LPGA Tour co-sanctioned event, Royal Adelaide to host the 2017 championship to help celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary, and Kooyonga the 2018 venue.  An option for further tournaments in South Australia after that time was also announced.

Following the announcement, the Committee of Management sought clarification from Golf Australia as to why Glenelg Golf Club had not been considered as a host venue under the initial three-year deal.  The Club’s General Manager, David Brand, subsequently met with Golf Australia’s Director of Championships, Trevor Herden, to undertake a scoping study as to the suitability of the club as a potential venue beyond 2018.

In his scoping report, Herden noted that “the condition of the golf course and test of golf offered at Glenelg has never been questioned; it is exceptional“, however he indicated his concern that the lack of space available severely restricted the Club’s ability to successfully host the Women’s Australian Open.  Some of the more specific points included:

  • limited area and length of the practice range;
  • very limited on-site VIP, member and public parking;
  • no suitable space for TV broadcasting facilities;
  • insufficient space for a central merchandise and catering village; and
  • the lack of space for spectators on most holes.

Whilst disappointed with Golf Australia’s assessment, we remain committed to ensuring the Women’s Australian Open remains in Adelaide well beyond the current three-year deal.  And, if an opportunity arises at some stage in the future, the Committee of Management will ensure Glenelg Golf Club is considered as a potential venue for any other major amateur or professional events to enable us to showcase our world class facility to the golfing community.

Visit the Women’s Australian Open website for all the latest scores, news and events