Allenby and Parry pledge to help Australian Open
The revamp of golf's Australian Open continued today with Craig Parry and Robert Allenby accepting honorary
roles for the 2006 event to be staged at Royal Sydney.
Former Australian Open tennis chief Paul McNamee has already been signed on, taking the role of CEO.
The Open's status has taken a hammering in recent years, with the event struggling to attract crowds,
leading overseas players and sponsorship.
Those harsh realties have stung Golf Australia into action, picking up McNamee after his highly-successful
tennis role.
For US tour players Parry and Allenby, both stalwarts of their home tour, the roles represent an
opportunity to give something back to a tournament which has been the traditional pinnacle of Australian
golf.
"I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to join the committee and to share my experiences as a
player and passion for the game," said Parry, who takes an honorary role on the organising committee.
"As a golfing professional it is important to continue giving back to the sport and I am looking forward
to a great event in my home town."
Whilst Parry is yet to win the national championship, Allenby has already claimed it twice, including last
year's memorable victory at Moonah Links.
From now on, the winner of the Australian Open will automatically be offered the role as event ambassador
for a year, which Allenby has embraced this year.
"Hopefully my experiences can be of value and I am appreciative of this opportunity as the defending
champion," Allenby said.
"I am sure we will have a terrific championship at Royal Sydney and I look forward to assisting in any
small way I can."
Golf Australia CEO Tony Hallam was delighted to see the players support the region's most prestigious
event.
"Craig and Robert will be great assets in assisting to both develop the Australian Open's profile and the
quality of its organisation," Hallam said.
"This is another example of the stakeholders in the golf industry working together for a better
outcome."
The 2006 Australian Open takes place from November 16-19.
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