Perth International Puts Western Australia On The Map

With prize money of $2 million, the event will become Australia's richest and world number nine Jason Dufner is another who will appear at Lake Karrinyup.

With prize money of $2 million, the event will become Australia's richest and world number nine Jason Dufner is another who will appear at Lake Karrinyup.

"It's the biggest purse in Australia and we are pushing for more big names in the run-up to the event," spokesperson Janine Pittaway told Reuters on Friday.

"The event is supported by the tour of Western Australia and the plan is for it to become a long-term tournament for Western Australia, like the Heineken Classic and Johnnie Walker Classic."

South African Schwartzel has already won seven times on the European Tour, culminating in his stunning victory at the 2011 U.S. Masters, where he became the first player to birdie the final four holes to win at Augusta.

The 27-year-old will be bidding to emulate countrymen Gary Player, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, who are all past champions at Lake Karrinyup.

"I have always enjoyed the people and the culture (in Australia) and the great sporting rivalry between our countries in cricket and rugby," Schwartzel said in a statement.

"I am looking forward to visiting Perth and hopefully I can continue the South African success at Lake Karrinyup."

Dufner has been a model of consistency this year, the 35-year-old runner-up at the 2011 U.S. PGA Championship and boasting seven top 10 finishes this season.

"I have a real affinity for Australia and have heard a lot of great things about Perth and Western Australia," said Dufner, set to make his Ryder Cup debut next month.

"Hopefully I can continue my good play Down Under," added the American. "I am excited to have the opportunity to play in Western Australia for the first time."

The event is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the European Tour and the winner of the event will receive an exemption to the World Golf Championships, the HSBC Champions.

Celebrate Australia Day in WA

West Australians are getting ready to celebrate one of the State's favourite holidays, and with January 26 falling on a Thursday this year, it's a good chance for many to take an extra day off on Friday to enjoy a four-day weekend and a mini-break in the State.

The Australia Day public holiday presents the perfect time to experience Australian culture as well as take advantage of the many free activities happening around WA.

Around the city, popular celebration locations include vantage points around Perth City and the Swan River for spectacular views of the evening City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks, Western Australia's biggest annual community event, and Cottesloe Beach, where the Haviaianas Australia Day Thong Challenge will take place to raise money for Australian junior lifesaving group Nippers.

Across the State, fireworks will also add a wow-factor to celebrations in Bunbury and Fremantle; Williams, Busselton, and Kalgoorlie will host Australia day breakfast celebrations; the Wind on Water Festival takes place in Geraldton; Rockingham will hold the Fly the Flag Festival, and ceremonies and festivities will take place in Mandurah, Corrigin and towns across WA.

For those lucky enough to also have the Friday off and a four day weekend, it's the perfect chance to getaway for a few days. Whether it's wineries, caves, the coast, camping, fishing, exploring historic towns, taking a WA great drive or soaking up the nostalgia of the outback, the long weekend presents a great time to explore and unwind.

Celebrate Australia Day in WA

Tourism WA Announces Record Events Calendar

Leading the 2012 Calendar is the Perth International - the newest addition to the global golf agenda. Tourism WA's Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Buckland, said the Perth International will take place at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, one of Australia's finest golf courses, and is set to attract some of the world's best golfers all competing to win US$2 million.

"The Perth International, owned by the International Management Group, will be sanctioned by the European Tour that is currently experiencing unprecedented success and boasts the top four ranked golfers in the world," Ms Buckland said.

"We're excited to announce a three year agreement with the tournament and are planning to develop the Perth International into a key occasion in the Asia Pacific Region."

Ms Buckland said another new event scheduled for 2012 was the Action Sports Games Mandurah, a three-day International Waterski and Wakeboard World Cup.

"Events on the 2012 calendar will have a significant impact on Western Australia's tourism industry with more than 1.2 million people forecast to attend the events generating over $221 million worth of value to the State," Ms Buckland said.

"The events are crucial to the development and growth of Western Australia and since the State Government invested a record $36.7 million into the program, we are now starting to see the rewards."

As part of the funding boost revealed in the May State Budget, Eventscorp will receive $40 million over the next four years from Royalties for Regions for events in regional Western Australia. The State Government recognises the value of regional events and the support they provide to the local communities.

Tourism Western Australia has also developed an events marketing strategy to ensure the State maximises rewards from the investment in event sponsorship.

For more information, please visit www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Events/Calendar