Jiyai Shin with the 2013 Women's Australian Open Golf trophy in Canberra. Royal Canberra Golf Club could again host the event in 2014. Photo: Melissa Adams
Royal Canberra has rocketed into contention to host the Australian Women's Open again after claims the tournament in January went to 97 million homes and generated a whopping $11.7 million in publicity.
The Open came to Canberra at the start of the year as part of the capital's centenary celebrations.
Figures released last week confirmed the tournament was one of the most successful in history, attracting a 13 per cent boost in crowds and went to 97 million households in 22 countries to generate the $11.7 million publicity.
The centenary events have come under fire for the money being splashed out to host sports in Canberra. But almost 28,000 fans flocked to the four-day golf event to watch Korean Jiyai Shin edge out Yani Tseng and teenage sensation Lydia Ko for the title.
It was the first tournament on the lucrative LPGA Tour, and attracted nine of the world's top-20 players.
The event is pencilled in for Victoria Golf Melbourne next year and Royal Melbourne in 2015, and has been held in Melbourne for most of its 22-year existence.
However, tournament director Trevor Herden said Royal Canberra had done more than enough to put itself in the frame to host it again.
''If the opportunity came up again to play the tournament at Royal Canberra, we will certainly look at it,'' Herden said.
''I've spoken to some people at Royal Canberra and they were delighted with the event's support and international exposure.
''It [the report] certainly is a positive for the next round of discussions when they happen.''
Royal Canberra officials have held discussions on whether the 27-hole layout will undergo development, but Herden said any potential work wouldn't hinder its hosting prospects.
''I understand they're currently negotiating with some people and evaluating some changes with the golf course,'' he said.
''I think it could do with a bit of tweaking and I'm sure whatever they do would help them. But even if they don't do anything we can certainly return and hold it here again in Royal Canberra.''
The course earned lavish praise from a host of star players, including leading Australian Karrie Webb. Former British Open champion Karen Lunn declared pre-tournament the event should be taken around the country, with Royal Canberra high on the list.
''It's a beautiful golf course aesthetically and one of the best conditioned in Australia, but never gets the accolades the Kingston Heaths or the Royal Melbournes get,'' Lunn said. ''It definitely should be on a rotational basis, if not going all around the country then certainly to cities like Sydney and Canberra.
''I know the Victorians and their government support their sport, but it is the Australian Open, not the Victorian Open.''
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