Australia’s number one betting agency Sportsbet today became the naming rights sponsor of the 2008 Australian Masters.
In officially launching the Sportsbet Australian Masters and the new event logo, Sportsbet Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Tripp said: “This partnership presents another exciting opportunity in the short period in which we have been able to associate our brand and services with Australian Sports and Events.
We are embarking on this partnership because our involvement in Australian sport is one that relies on events like the Masters. As Australia’s number one Betting Agency we wish to support Australian iconic events and this partnership is a sign of that support.”
IMG Vice President-Golf Mr David Rollo said: “We are delighted to have Sportsbet on board as our new naming rights sponsor of the Australian Masters. Corporate support is the lifeblood of professional sport and our partnership with Sportsbet will assist our ambitions to grow the tournament.”
Sportsbet joins the Victorian Government as a major partner of the event. The Victorian Government entered a strategic alliance with IMG to grow the event in Melbourne over the next three years. This will see the introduction of a venue rotation policy across the internationally acclaimed Melbourne sand belt and the participation of three international players within the top 25 in the Official World Rankings from 2009 and beyond.
Brendan McClements, Chief Executive Officer, VMEC commented: ”Today’s announcement is terrific news for the Masters. It is a strong vote of confidence in both golf and the event and will allow the Masters to continue its growth.”
The 2008 Sportsbet Australian Masters will be played at Huntingdale Golf Club and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the tournament. Current players committed include Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Michael Campbell, Daniel Chopra, Tim Clark, Nick O’Hern, Peter Lonard, Rod Pampling, Craig Parry, John Senden and the World’s #1 ranked amateur, Danny Lee, who eclipsed Tiger Woods record as the youngest ever winner of the US Amateur Championship.
The final field for 2008 Sportsbet Australian Masters will be announced within the next seven days following the close of entries for the European Tour.
