Peugeot Women’s Classic celebrates its second year.

Today, the bubbly poured as the Peugeot Women’s Classic celebrated its second year as Australia’s biggest team amateur tournament for women and opened registrations for 2007.

Toasting to the success of achieving 17,000 registrations in 2006, the 2007 Peugeot Women’s Classic is set to further its reach. Almost 300 clubs have already registered this year, making the Classic a significant mark on the golfing calendar.

In true style, the ‘Classic Champagne Launch’ was held at The Melbourne International Motor Show, hosted by dual Olympic champion, Nick Green OAM, Manager of Game & Club Development at Golf Australia.

Amongst the prestige were sports lover, Christi Malthouse and past Classic players, including Victoria’s State champions, Pam Smigowski, Ros Thornton and Marg Adams from Queens Park Golf Club. In fine form, the ladies practiced their putts before the real challenge begins to win their dream on the green.

This dream being the opportunity to represent one’s country at the Peugeot International Pro AM in Paris! The biggest prize in a national club team event is supported by a myriad of prizes at local, state and national levels.

“In the Classic’s first year of conception, lots of clubs didn’t realise the prestige, now it’s multiplied 110 times. We’re already practicing because we know the competition will be tough. Everyone wants to go for it, including most of the clubs in the south western district! Nothing has been done for amateurs at this level. Peugeot has opened up the flood gates; it’s hardly a twenty dollar cheese plate at the end,” enthused Peugeot Women’s Classic Victorian State Champion, Margaret Adams from Queens Park Golf Club, Geelong.

“The Classic has transformed our club, even bringing male and female golfers together. Our male club members arranged a send off for us before the national final at Royal Sydney, to show their support. It was great to see them get involved.

”It’s been the pinnacle of our golfing career and we’re still celebrating.” concluded Margaret.

Rob Dommerson, Managing Director of Peugeot Automobiles Australia said, “Last year’s Classic has enjoyed great success. We’re very proud to be able to provide a platform for social interaction and be part of the biggest amateur tournament for women in Australia. It’s great hearing about the support clubs have received from their local communities and that there are still women out there celebrating.”

“We encourage women of all ages and all levels, from metropolitan and regional areas across the country, to participate in this new three ball golf tournament to achieve their dream on the green,” concluded Mr. Dommerson.

For registration forms or further information please visit www.peugeotwomensclassic.com.au or email pwcgolf@peugeot.com.au if you have any questions regarding the tournament.

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For images of the celebrities and players at the launch, or interviews
please contact Louise Osborne at Pesel & Carr.
Phone: 03 9663 0886 or louise.osborne@peselandcarr.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE
9 July 2007

Bon voyage to Australia’s trio of Classic champions

The Peugeot Women’s Classic national winners are off to Paris on Tuesday the 22nd of August, to represent Australia in the Peugeot International Pro AM played over three prestigious courses: Joyenval Golf Club, Joyenval Retz Golf Club and Saint-Germain Golf Club, France.

Not in their wildest dreams did they believe they would be flying to Paris when they first started competing in the Classic at their local tournament held at The Royal Perth Golf Club in 2006.

After winning the West Australian state final, the trio were flown to the 2007 MFS Women’s Australian Open, thanks to Peugeot, to compete against their rival states for the ultimate dream on the green – the all expenses paid trip to play in Paris.

One of the three national winners, Rumiko Takahashi said, “Who would have thought that such a fun competition with lots of bubbly could turn into such a life experience – we were happy just to make it to the state finals and then when we were told we would be flown to Sydney to compete, we were overwhelmed. It was just a joy to meet the other interstate players and we’ve made good friends.

“We also appreciate what it feels like to be a professional, being whisked away into the media conference arena straight after our win; it’s been an exciting journey and it continues because now we’re off to Paris!”

Managing Director of Peugeot Automobiles Australia, Rob Dommerson, said, “We are very proud of our national trio. We wish them well in Paris and will be supporting them the entire way.”

In 2006 the Classic had over 17,000 participants and this year already 16,000 have registered, with over 400 golf clubs entered nationwide.

Golf Australia Director of Game and Club Development, Nick Green OAM said, “Our partnership with Peugeot provides a strong and ongoing commitment to women’s golf. The Classic provides a concentrated focus on engaging women, encouraging social interaction and showcases grassroots golf to the nation.

“No other team amateur tournament offers some of the biggest prizes in amateur history and provides the opportunity for a female club golfers to represent ones club, state and country.”

Mr Dommerson concluded, “It is our aim to create a competition that brings out not only the competitive spirit but a social atmosphere and to know that we have achieved this, is a great outcome.

“We have designed this 3 Ball Better Ball Team Stableford event so that it is inclusive of all skill levels and ages, allowing any female club golfer the opportunity to take their golfing career to the next level. The word of mouth has been phenomenal and local clubs still fondly remember their Classic days.”

Registrations for the 2007 Peugeot Women’s Classic close on the 30th of September. For further information please visit www.peugeotwomensclassic.com.au

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For further information please Louise Osborne at Pesel & Carr.
Phone: 03 9663 0886 or louise.osborne@peselandcarr.com.au

NATIONAL WINNERS: Rumiko Takahashi, Julie Khiew, Yoshiko Katsumi from Royal Perth Golf Club with Rob Dommerson, Managing Director of Peugeot Automobiles Australia.