8/10/04
Tourism Minister Bob Kucera welcomed today’s announcement that Perth had secured the Johnnie Walker Golf Classic for 2006 and 2009.
Mr Kucera and Ben Anderson, global brand director for Johnnie Walker, jointly announced that the classic would return to Perth for the two years - the first time Johnnie Walker had nominated a venue for more than one event.
“This represents a great vote of confidence in Western Australia that one of the world’s richest golfing events and one of the most significant on the international golfing calendar, is coming to Perth,” the Minister said.
“At a time when many international golf events are struggling, the Johnnie Walker Classic remains one of the game’s most successful global events.”
The Johnnie Walker Classic was held at Lake Karrinyup Country Club in 2002 and 2003 and local and international visitors saw the golfing talents of players like Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Sergio Garcia, Nick Faldo and Australia’s Robert Allenby.
Prize money for the event will be more than $3million and world-class players will draw global media coverage to Perth.
“The economic benefits of hosting the Johnnie Walker Classic will be significant,” Mr Kucera said.
“We can expect a direct injection of up to $7million into the local economy and the global television coverage that highlights WA’s beautiful natural environment will be worth more than $4million.
“The fact that we have secured the event once again shows that WA continues to be an attractive destination for international players and world class events.”
The Johnnie Walker Classic, Asia Pacific’s premier golf event is presented by Johnnie Walker scotch whiskey and is supported by the State Government, through EventsCorp, part of Tourism Western Australia.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
