• 2016 ISPS HANDA Perth International starts at Lake Karrinyup Country Club today
• 156 players from 28 countries set to compete
• Event supported by the State Government through Tourism WA

One of Australia’s most significant golf events, the 2016 ISPS HANDA Perth International, gets underway today at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the 156-strong field included some of the most exciting golfers in the world today along with some seasoned campaigners.

“Golf fans are in for four days of world-class golf with 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, defending Perth International champion, Thorbjorn Olesen, and French Ryder Cup star, Victor Dubuisson, who was runner-up at the 2014 Perth International headlining the field,” Dr Hames said.

“They will be joined by India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, Australian legend Peter Senior and Italian Matteo Manassero, Nicolas Colsaerts from Belgium and Spain’s Alvaro Quiros and Alejandro Canizares.

“The Western Australian representation will be led by five time European Tour winner Brett Rumford, and dual Australian Open and PGA Champion Greg Chalmers.”

The State Government, through Tourism WA, is a proud sponsor of the 2016 ISPS HANDA Perth International.

The Minister said hosting international sporting events of this calibre was part of the Government’s strategy to grow the value of tourism from the current $8.9 billion to $12 billion by 2020.

“The Perth International provides significant tourism exposure for the State by generating tens of millions of dollars in media coverage across Australia and in key international markets such as China, Indonesia, Germany, the UK and the USA,” he said.

“In addition, it attracts tens of thousands of spectators, which helps to promote Perth as a vibrant and diverse global city.”

The ISPS HANDA Perth International is the only tournament in Australia to be sanctioned by three different golf tours – PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour.

Players compete for $1.75 million in prize money making it Australia’s equal richest golf tournament.