The ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open Golf at Royal Canberra Golf Club in February was telecast to more than 97 million households in 22 countries around the world and was the best Australian Women’s Open to date, according to the event report by Golf Australia.

The United States, Taiwan and Korea were the most valuable international markets with more than 40 hours of live coverage. The Golf Channel suspended normal programming to telecast the final round live to the US east coast.

In Australia the ABC TV broadcasts of the four-day event reached an audience of about 788,000.

The Executive Director of the Centenary of Canberra, Jeremy Lasek, said that the figures from Golf Australia showed that $1.5 million cost of bringing the prestigious event to Canberra was more than justified.

“The event generated publicity valued at an estimated $11.7 million in Australia and overseas, and all these people saw Canberra at its sparkling summer best,” Mr Lasek said.

“The course looked superb, the weather was picture-perfect throughout the four days of play and the kangaroos who frequent the course added a uniquely Australian flavour.

“So did the redback spider that bit Swedish player Daniela Homqvist on the leg. The reports of her using a golf tee to pierce the skin and squeeze the poison out, and then playing on, ensured plenty of coverage in Scandinavia.”

Golf Australia’s Director Championships, Trevor Herden, said that the players thoroughly enjoyed the event.

“The winner, Jiyai Shin, said that she felt really comfortable in Canberra and especially enjoyed watching the kangaroos, as did Michelle Wie,” Mr Herden said.

“Karrie Webb commented that she could really feel the excitement of Canberra’s Centenary celebrations, and Yani Tseng said Royal Canberra was a great golf course.

“There was increased media interest and coverage, the event gained new sponsors and the digital traffic on the official tournament website increased by 26% over 2012.

“All in all it was a resounding success, and Golf Australia congratulates the ACT on hosting and supporting a first-class event.”

Mr Lasek said that ticket sales to the event totalled 27,800 (13 per cent more than last year’s event in Melbourne) and it attracted about 1200 international visitors, including players and their entourage.

Volunteers and people visiting friends and relatives in Canberra to attend the event added another 1500.

“These figures indicate a considerable positive economic impact on Canberra and the region that will be confirmed later by hotel occupancy figures and other data.

“As important is the different image of Canberra being seen by so many people – the Centenary is helping people to see the national capital with fresh eyes,” Mr Lasek said.

For more information about the Centenary of Canberra, please visit www.canberra100.com.au.