The agreement will see the historic tournament be referred to as the “Oates Vic Open” for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 events.

The deal gives the Oates Vic Open a major boost six months out from the 2014 event, to be hosted for the second year at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. Earlier this year, the tournament experienced its most successful event in twenty years with record spectator numbers and world class fields of male and female players.

Oates, a subsidiary of ASX listed company GUD Holdings, started in 1930 and has grown to be Australia’s most respected and reliable supplier of quality professional and household cleaning products. Boasting a product range in excess of 1,200 items, customers range from major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths, independent grocery stores, DIY chains including Bunnings and Masters to specialised cleaning outlets and export customers across the Pacific and Asia.

Golf Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Simon Brookhouse applauded Oates for their commitment to the tournament and Victorian golf, and spoke about what it means for the event’s future.

“To have Oates come on board as our naming rights sponsor of the Oates Vic Open is a tremendous result for the event and puts us in a strong position to continue to grow. On behalf of Golf Victoria and our host venue Thirteenth Beach, I’d sincerely like to thank David Birch and the team at Oates for the commitment they’ve shown to our great tournament.

“We were absolutely delighted with the outcome of 2013 and the support the Greater Geelong region threw behind the event, as well as the strong contingency of Melbournians who made the trip down the highway to witness what was truly a magical event to be part of. With the support of Oates, we look forward to building on the success of earlier this year and making 2014 an even better experience for the players, spectators, sponsors, volunteers and media,” said Brookhouse.

2013 was the inaugural year of the combined men’s and women’s event being played on the Bellarine Peninsula at Thirteenth Beach. It also marked the first year the tournament’s unique format was implemented fully into an event with both the men and women playing 72 holes at the same venue, and both genders playing concurrently on the same course in rounds three and four. The innovative combined format of the event is unique to professional golf on the world stage.

David Birch, Chief Executive Officer at Oates spoke about his company’s decision to invest in the Vic Open.

“The success of the 2013 Championship including the impressive media coverage and huge public support made the decision to have the Oates brand as the naming sponsor an easy one to make.

“As a cleaning brand driven by innovation we are impressed with the innovative format of this event, and of the opportunity for golfing fans and families to get up close and personal with golfers from around the world in the terrific surroundings of Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. We look forward to working with Golf Victoria in the coming years promoting this outstanding event and the Oates brand,” Birch stated.

The Oates Vic Open will be played from 20-23 February, 2014 with even stronger fields of players anticipated.
www.oates.com.au