Presidents Cup returns to Melbourne
April 03, 2007
THE Presidents Cup will return to Melbourne in 2011, US PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem announced in Florida today (AEST).
The matchplay team competition, featuring 24 of the world's best players, will be held from November 14-20, with the venue course to be announced later this year.
The biennial Cup pits a 12-man United States team against an International team from around the world, excluding Europe, and since 1996 has alternated between the US and international venues.
Melbourne becomes the first city outside the US to host the event more than once, as the 1998 Cup was held at Royal Melbourne when the Internationals scored their only victory.
"We are thrilled to be bringing The Presidents Cup back to Melbourne in 2011," said Finchem.
"Every player, fan and Tour staff member who either attended or watched the 1998 Presidents Cup still vividly remembers the incredibly warm welcome extended to the participants and the first-class atmosphere Melbourne created.
"Melbourne's government and citizens staged a superb competition then, and we are confident they will only exceed expectations when we return in four years.
"I know the world's best golfers will look forward to another trip Down Under for this thrilling competition."
The US has won four of the six previous Presidents Cups and the 2003 competition in South Africa ended in a tie.
"We are delighted to have secured the return of The Presidents Cup to Melbourne in 2011," said PGA Tour of Australasia CEO Ben Sellenger.
"The impact of Australian players has been felt on golf tours around the world, and the staging of this prestigious event on the world renowned sand belt in Melbourne is a further reflection of the strength of our country in world golf.
Victoria Premier Steve Bracks said: "(The decision) further cements Melbourne's reputation as a first-class city when it comes to staging major events."
This year's event, to be held September from 27-30 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada, will mark the seventh time it has been contested outside the US.
AAP