For the first time in its history the Johnnie Walker Classic will return to the same venue for a second successive year following the announcement that Lake Karrinyup Country Club, Perth, will host the 2003 event from February 13-16.
The decision, announced by Guinness UDV and IMG, reflects the success of the 2002 tournament which was won in commanding fashion by Volvo Order of Merit winner and reigning US Open Champion Retief Goosen.
The 2002 Johnnie Walker Classic attracted one of the best fields assembled in any Australasian Tour co-sanctioned event.
Stephen Morley, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director, said: "Quite simply, from both a brand growth and a tournament perspective, Perth in January 2002 was an outstanding location and a fantastic success. The players and spectators loved it, our international guests loved it, and it was a brilliant platform on which to communicate the "Keep Walking" philosophy which celebrates ordinary people on extraordinary journeys and lies at the heart of the Johnnie Walker brand.
"One of the major factors in our decision was the support and co-operation we received throughout last year from the people of Western Australia, from EventsCorp and, of course, from the members of Lake Karrinyup Country Club. It is this momentum and goodwill behind both the tournament and the Johnnie Walker brand that convinced us to return to Perth."
Martin Jolly, Managing Director - Australia & New Zealand for IMG, who jointly own with Guinness UDV the Johnnie Walker Classic, added: "The 2002 Johnnie Walker Classic was a highlight of the Australasian Tour last summer and Johnnie Walker's desire to return to Perth is a fantastic result for golf in this country."
