Bellarine Times
Thursday 20 February 2014
VOL 7. No 8
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
FREE WEEKLY
INSIDE TODAY
YOUR COMPLETE REAL ESTATE GUIDE
TEE TIME Thousands flock to Barwon Heads for Vic Open
BY TIFFANY PILCHER SOME of the best national and international golfers are on local fairways as the 2014 Oates Vic Open gets under way at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links today. The event is one of the region’s greatest tourism drawcards, bringing 200,000 people and $2 million to the Geelong and Bellarine areas annually. Now in its second year at Thirteenth Beach, Geelong Otway Tourism executive officer Roger Grant said hosting the event was bringing the course to international attention. “It allows them to really capitalise on the fact that Thirteenth Beach has two 18-hole courses, allowing the men and women to play simultaneously, which is unique on a nationwide basis. “Being able to promote things like that establishes the area as a golf destination throughout Australia and even into overseas to areas such as Asia.” Widespread promotion of the course has had a flow-on effect, with people coming to play golf and staying and spending locally as they enjoy the Bellarine as a
holiday destination. Mr Grant said the Vic Open was incredibly important to the area financially, and he hoped Golf Australia would renew Thirteenth Beach’s contract for the event when it expired after next year’s tournament. “This event and other major events held here are fundamental in positioning and marketing the region; they give people a reason to come to the Bellarine. “It brings ongoing benefits because it not only attracts visitors and tourists to the region immediately, but the event coverage promotes the area for future visitors also. “There have been television segments that show the high profile pros flying out from Barwon Heads airport, taking cooking classes at Oakdene and touring around the area. The television and print reporting is positioned to discuss the fantastic golf course as well as the wider area and attractions, it really showcases the whole region.” For pro-am photos see page 16 and for Vic Open coverage, including “The Pro’s View”, see page 107.
OPEN ON
surfcoasttimes
BELLARINE BOOM LIFT HIRE GENIE 34/20
Trailer mounted Cherry Picker. Working height of 12.36 metres.
We deliver for your convenience (BELLARINE ONLY)
SKY JACK SCISSOR LIFT Working height of 7.8 metres.
Call Bill on 0417 746 556
Amateur golfer Terry Baker plays a shot during the Vic Open Pro-Am on Tuesday. Photo: TERRY BROUN JR