By James Wells
SYDNEY: The inaugural Fisher & Paykel Classic women’s golfing tournament will wrap up this afternoon in Sydney after attracting over 22,000 participants from over 540 clubs across Australia.
The Fisher & Paykel Classic, which is an amateur women’s golfing tournament sanctioned by Golf Australia, has been played over the last two days as a prelude to the 2007 Women’s Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.
According to Fisher & Paykel marketing manager, Peter Russell, the reaction to the tournament concept has been overwhelming and provides the brand with access to its target demographic.
“We have received an amazing response to the Classic since the concept was launched mid-year,” Russell said.
“The three stages of the Classic – local, state and the national final — have been coordinated with the assistance of Golf Australia and are designed specifically for women club golfers of all ages."
Gaining a spot in the state finals were the players with the highest points in a single stableford competition staged by over 540 clubs in Australia, which represented the first round of the competition.
“The Classic has been described as the most successful women’s golf tournament ever held in Australia with over 22,000 registered female amateur golfers participating in its inaugural year – this equates to one in four registered female golfers in this country taking part in the 2006 competition,” Russell said.
The 12 finalists were flown to Sydney to play in the tournament held on Tuesday at the Terrey Hills Golf Club and yesterday at the Avondale Golf Club in Pymble.
“The Classic is unique with no other event like it played in Australia. The nation’s talented female golfers have an opportunity to compete against one another for great prizes and the chance to travel and play on some of the country’s most prestigious courses,” Russell said.