Ogilvy goes behind Vic Open glory

Geoff Ogilvy will break a 21-year drought if he holds ISPS Handa Vic Open in 2019.

There is not much Geoff Ogilvy has not done in golf.

But he is about to pursue a missing piece of his great career speech, and confirms today that he will play in the ISPS Handa Vic Open.

Ogilvy, although a seasoned member of the ISPS Handa PGA Tour or Australasia throughout the years, has not been able to play his home state Open since 1998 due to commitments in the United States. He led amateur in each of the three times he played the Open – in 1995, & # 39; 97 and & # 39; 98 – and in 1997 was overall runner-up for Stephen Leaney at Victoria Golf Club.

After moving home this summer, the US Open champion of 2006 can not wait to beat him at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links from February 7-10.

The former world No.3, a triple WGC winner with two World Match Play crowns, will be the first big men's champion to have played the event since Ian Baker-Finch in 1997.

"I have been very excited to see the development of the Vic Open in recent years from afar and I am really excited to be able to play it again after all these years," he said.

"With the simultaneous men's and women's events it's great to have the European and LPGA Tours on board – it really shows how far the event has come and it's great to see that a tournament in Australia is so focused has on his innovation. "

Gulf Brook's operational general manager, Simon Brookhouse, said Ogilvy, who had previously deployed as the vice-captain of Ernie Els for the international team at this year's Presidents Cup, would be a huge drawcard on the Bellarine Peninsula.

"We all admired Geoff's marvelous career, but for many it is the first chance to see him live", says Brookhouse.

"It is a testament to the tournament that he still houses that desire to add to what a great resume is."

Ogilvy, 41, has won eight times on the American PGA Tour, most recently in 2014, but has decided to come back to Melbourne to live with his young family

"Geoff is a legend of the Australian wave, we do not have dozens of great champions, so hopefully we will be fighting for the ISPS Handa Vic Open, which is absolutely fantastic for the tournament and the fans," said Brookhouse.

"It is a great opportunity for all Australians to celebrate his immense career up close and personal on Thirteenth Beach."

The ISPS Handa Vic Open is a unique simultaneous professional tournament for men and women. It is jointly sanctioned by the ALPG, LPGA, PGA Tour or Australasia and the European Tour and has a similar price for men and women.

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 is proudly supported by the Victorian government