Photo: DR

The Oates Vic Open is the only tournament of its kind in the world where male and female teams compete on the same courses, at the same time, for an equal share of the prizes. In 2018, a combined scholarship of A $ 1,3 million means men and women will each fight for a share of A $ 650.

The Women's Oates Vic Open will again be played over 72 holes, in conjunction with the PGA of Australia sanctioned Men's Championship. The first two laps will be contested on the Beach and Creek courses, with groups alternating between men and women. After the reduction of 36 holes for the 60 best professional and amateur scores in the two fields, the last two rounds will be played on the Beach Course.

Mel Reid, who claimed her sixth victory over LET at last year's Oates Vic Open, in a three-hole play-off against Sandra Gal, is back to defend her title this week in Victoria.

Britain's Georgia Hall, the 2017 Order of Merit winner, is also returning for the first time since securing her second professional victory in 2016, the year before the Ladies European Tour sanctioned event.

A 2015 rehearsal could also be on the agenda, with Norwegian Marianne Skarpnord and Australian fiance Richard Green also starring. Then engaged and barely a week after moving into their new home at 13th Beach, the duo won the men's and women's titles barely an hour apart.

Australians Minjee Lee, who won as an amateur in 2014 and Stacey Keating, who won in her homeland in 2013, round out the list of winners of the women's title.

Dame Laura Davies, former number one and four-time major world champion, is back for her Australian collection: the 1993 and 1994 Australian Masters, the 2003 ANZ Masters, the 2008 NSW Open and the 2004 Women's 2009 Australian Open.

Speaking of the Oates Vic Open, Davies said: “I can't wait to start in Australia as this is my favorite trip of the year and we have four unprecedented events on LET. It's a great way for LET to start what I think will be a good year for the Tour. "

“I love the routes and relaxed atmosphere of Australian events and the food is great so there is nothing not to love. I like that we play with the men, which I think works really well. There are always good galleries which add to the atmosphere. "

“We play two very good golf courses which are both very different and there is always a bit of wind to keep us on our guard. I would love to see this format reproduced around the world, as I think the audience would like it. "

As Davies enters her 34th year on the Tour, American Casey Danielson, who won LET's Lalla Aicha Tour School in December and France's Manon Molle, will make their professional debuts.

Last year's Rookie of the Year, France's Camille Chevalier, will be in great shape after a successful season in 2017 and 2016 Rookie of the Year, Aditi Ashok, is also hoping for another season.

The triple LET champion from Bangalore said: “I can't wait to go to Australia. I had a great off-season vacation and did well practiced with my new clubs. So I can't wait to start the tournaments. I have always started my season in Australia and it has been a lot of fun the last two years. We play in great golf courses and the fans are always amazing. "

“The Oates Vic Open was my first event as a professional and it's great to see how the event has developed. I love to play at 13th Beach Golf Links. I like to play two very different courses at the same location during the Oates Vic Open week as there are not a lot of tournaments that take place on two different courses. I also love my hosts Melinda and David Peebles at 13th Beach Golf Club and enjoy coming back to meet them every year. "

As a fan of this unique format, she said: “I think it's great for the spectators and helps make the sport popular in general. I think having more events like this would be fun to watch and maybe get more audience for women's golf. "

Those unable to make the trip to Barwon Heads will be able to watch the weekend action thanks to the return of the live streaming of the Oates Vic Open, which will be hosted on the Tours and tournament websites, as well as on YouTube and Facebook LIVE. .

The Oates Vic Open is a Golf Victoria event, co-sanctioned by LET and ALPG Tours. It will kick off five weeks of women's golf in Australia, preceding the all-new ActewAGL Canberra Classic at Royal Canberra Golf Club, ISPS HANDA Women's Australian Open at Kooyonga Adelaide, Australian Ladies Classic - Bonville, at Bonville Golf Resort and theNew South Wales Open at Coffs Harbor Golf Club.

To know more : http://www.vicopengolf.com/