As the Gold Coast gears up to host the 2015 Australian PGA Championship next week, Mayor Tom Tate is urging locals to support the biggest event on the city’s golfing calendar.

To be held at RACV Royal Pines Resort from December 3-6, the country’s richest golf tournament will see international golfers take to the course for four days of thrilling competition in its first year as a co-sanctioned event on the European Tour.

"This year, the event is about offering something fun for everyone, not just golf fanatics," said Cr Tate.

"The community can be part of the action on Tuesday 1 December, which begins with a new free kids’ day and continues on with a ladies’ high tea the same afternoon. It finishes with the inaugural

Greg Norman Medal gala dinner in the evening, where the legend himself will be in attendance.

"There’s also free entry for all three days of practice sessions between Monday 30 November and Wednesday 2 December."

Cr Tate met some young golf fans from Robina High School’s Sports Academy program today, home to a golfing excellence program to nurture young talent.

"The PGA Championship certainly gives our local up and coming golfers a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by some of the world’s best golfers," he said.

"Most importantly, it gives the Gold Coast extraordinary international exposure, with the event being beamed into 400 million homes in more than 30 countries.

"You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy an event like the PGA. Just being on the course and part of the atmosphere is a fantastic experience in itself so come out and show your support."

The #AUSPGA Kids’ Day, a free event for parents and children, runs from 10am – 5pm on Tuesday 1 December and includes bouncy castles, face painting, music, wildlife, games, golf activities,
player interviews and autographs, and plenty of giveaways. Free parking is available onsite.

The ladies’ high tea, from 1 – 3pm, will be served overlooking the 18th hole and practice green at Royal Pines, with questions and answer sessions from key members of the corporate world and professional golf circuit.

Co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the European Tour, the Australian PGA Championship is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as well as RACV, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast Tourism, Emirates, Stella Artois, APN Outdoor, Coca-Cola, Liberty International Underwriters, Frizelle’s Automotive Group, TAG Heuer, E-Z-GO and Kumho Tyres.

Tickets for the 2015 Australian PGA Championship are now on sale at www.ticketek.com.au. Children 16 years and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For information visit www.championship.pga.org.au