The NSW Open Golf Championships is set undergo a major transformation in 2016 with a threefold increase in prize money and the event upgraded to Tier One status on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres confirmed the event would once again take place at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, and attract competitors and visitors from around Australia and the world to Western Sydney.

“The NSW Open is fast becoming one of the most prestigious titles in Australian golf, and the 2016 tournament is set to be the best yet. Taking place on 10-13 November, the Open will take place the week before the Australian Open, making Sydney the place to be for all golf fans,” Mr Ayres said.

“Stonecutters Ridge at Colebee is the perfect location for the Open, and with a minimum of $400,000 in prize money available, it is sure to attract some of the world’s best golfers to Western Sydney to compete.”

The NSW Open Golf Championships was first held in 1931, and former champions include Greg Norman, Peter Thomson, Jack Newton and Ian Baker-Finch.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said the event would form part of a packed calendar of sporting events in NSW.

“NSW is the home of major sporting events, and the NSW Open Golf will join events such as the NRL Grand Final, Rally Australia Coffs Harbour, Bledisloe Cup and the College Football Sydney Cup on our 2016 Calendar,” she said.

“I encourage all golf fans to get along to this great event, and experience everything Western Sydney has to offer. As well as top class golf courses like Stonecutters Ridge, the area has a wide array of hotels, restaurants and attractions to suit all ages and tastes.”

Visit www.golfnsw.org for more information on the event.