Hall & # 039; s Vic Open returns another important coup

Georgia Hall returns to the scene of one of her earliest triumphs.

Reigning Women & # 39; s British Open champion Georgia Hall is on its way back to the ISPS Handa Vic Open.

Hall, who achieved her professional victory at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in 2016, has since then climbed all the way to number 8 in the world ranking, largely due to her groundbreaking big win at Royal Lytham and St Anne's in August.

It is another great coup for the men's and women's tournament that will be jointly sanctioned for the first time by the LPGA Tour, ALPG, European Tour and ISPS Handa PGA Tour or Australasia from 7-10 February.

"It's one of my favorite events of the year, not just because I won it a few years ago, but I really enjoy the golf course," Hall said.

"We can play two courses, which is pretty cool and Australia as a whole, it's one of my favorite countries, people are very nice and I enjoy myself, so I'm looking forward to coming to the Vic Open. and then the Australian Open the next week to play. "

The parade of former champions on the Barwon Heads course includes many of both sides of the draw.

In addition to world No. 6 Minjee Lee, who had previously confirmed, the European stars Joanna Klatten, Marianne Skarpnord and Melissa Reid will also pursue a second Vic Open crown.

On the men's side it is expected that defending champion Simon Hawkes will play alongside Dimi Papadatos, Matt Griffin, Richard Green, Ash Hall, Michael Long, Jason Norris and Kiwi Gareth Paddison.

Operations boss Simon Brookhouse of Golf Australia was very happy with so many familiar faces on the Bellarine Peninsula.

"Georgia and Minjee have taken their games to the next level after winning at the ISPS Handa Vic Open, but all of our champions have big fansites locally because of the great memories they have created here," Brookhouse said.

"We are very happy with their continued support and can not wait to see them in action again next month."

Hall will be the second reigning champion in the field, with ANA Inspiration winner Pernilla Lindberg who has already started.

Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy and fellow Victorian Lucas Herbert have already signed up for the men's tournament.

Admission is free for all Victorian golf club members, but other tickets are on sale through oTix and remain some of the best value in top sport for $ 10 a day, $ 30 for a season ticket. Children younger than 18 and people with a seniors card are free. See vicopengolf.com/ticketing for details.

The ISPS Handa Vic Open, which holds equal cash prizes for men and women, is proudly supported by the Victorian government.