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Presidents Cup to return down under

03/04/2007

Melbourne has been confirmed by the PGA Tour as the venue for the 2011 Presidents Cup.

The city in Victoria, Australia, becomes the first outside the United States to host the prestigious matchplay competition more than once after the Royal Melbourne golf club hosted the event in 1998.

Although the host course has yet to be announced, the Royal Melbourne is expected to be one of the front-runners again after the impressive show it staged nine years ago – the only time the international team has won the cup outright.

The Presidents Cup is a matchplay tournament between a team of 12 of the best United States golfers and a 12-man team representing the rest of the world, excluding Europe.

It regularly features such top international names as Vijay Singh from Fiji and South African Ernie Els and the format is similar to the biannual Ryder Cup competition between Europe and the US.

"We are thrilled to be bringing the Presidents Cup back to Melbourne in 2011," said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

"Every player, fan and Tour staff member who either attended or watched the 1998 Presidents Cup still vividly remembers the incredibly warm welcome extended to the participants and the first-class atmosphere Melbourne created.

"Melbourne's government and citizens staged a superb competition then, and we are confident they will only exceed expectations when we return in four years. I know the world's best golfers will look forward to another trip down under for this thrilling competition."

Ben Sellenger, the chief executive of PGA Tour–Australasia, said he was "delighted" that Melbourne had been chosen as the host city for a second time.

"The impact of Australian players has been felt on golf tours around the world, and the staging of this prestigious event on the world renowned sand belt in Melbourne is a further reflection of the strength of our country in world golf," he said.

"The PGA Tour of Australasia looks forward to fully supporting the return of the Presidents Cup in 2011 and continuing to bring world-class golf to the Australian sporting public."

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