Max Garske

“This is a rare opportunity to see one of the greatest sportsmen the world has ever seen. “By having Tiger we’ll also be guaranteed that Australia’s best players will also head home. “Golf fans and the public are in for something special later this year. It will be something special.”

With golf numbers on a downward trend the last five years, Garske is confident the game can turn the corner.

Underpinning the growth will be newcomers who after watching the world’s number one golfer in action will be inspired to purchase a set of clubs and get onto the fairways.

“A player like Tiger has the ability to have an enormous impact on golf.

“A lot of the people who pay to watch him at Kingston Heath won’t necessarily be golfers. “But once they’ve seen him play, there’s every chance they will take it up.

“We expect to see green fee golfers up and on the back of that more spending in golf shops and associated businesses.”

Having worked at the PGA of Australia back in 1992 when the economy was sluggish, Garske knows how the Australian golf market responds in tough times.

“The last downturn golf actually grew by 30 per cent. Admittedly, that was on the back of Greg Norman’s success.

“But I think people do have more time and golf is seen as a relatively cheap game to enjoy. “By international standards it’s very cheap.”

Garske believes the combination of a slowing economy, less work constraints and the Tiger factor, the golf industry has every reason to be optimistic.

“Tiger Woods being in town is only going to push numbers up.

“I remember in 1992 when Norman was at his peak, the public courses around Australia enjoyed strong visitation.”

International Management Group and the Victorian Government have collectively paid the $3 million appearance fee to bring Woods to Australia.

It’s understood he’ll only play the Australian Masters which this year moves to Kingston Heath for the first time after a 30 year stint at Huntingdale.

IMG director of golf David Rollo understands there is some criticism about Woods’ hefty fee, especially in the current economic climate.

But he believes the outlay is a worthwhile investment that will yield a positive gain. “This is a major coup for Australian golf.

“I don’t think the cost would be discussed too much. Rather the benefit it will bring to tourism and the game generally.”

Australia’s highest ranked golfer Geoff Ogilvy is also confirmed for this year’s Australian Masters.

Ogilvy will form part of a string of high-profile Australians to tee up at Kingston Heath and also support the country’s other two big events, the Australian PGA and Australian Open. IMG has also confirmed that the 2010 Australian Masters will be at Victoria Golf Club which has not held a major tournament since the 2002 Australian Open.

Kingston Heath Golf Club is moving fast to complete a stunning clubhouse redevelopment which will be ready for the Australian Masters and a series of celebrations to mark the club’s centenary