The key role that sports tourism can play in the Toowoomba region was clearly demonstrated by the success of the recent 2009 Queensland PGA Championship held at the City Golf Club.

Toowoomba Regional Council’s Tourism, Events and Parks portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia congratulated organisers on the successful hosting of such a high profile event on the sporting calendar.

“This event was secured by City Golf Club at late notice through the efforts of council’s Sports Tourism Officer who worked closely with the Golf Club in planning and delivering the event.

“The City Golf Club board and staff should be congratulated for staging a quality event at such short notice,” Cr Ramia said.

The tournament attracted one of the strongest fields in its history with 144 quality PGA professionals and elite amateurs competing.

“Players and officials had nothing but positive comments about our ability to host such an event. Given the short lead time, it is clear this tournament has the potential to grow into one of the major signature events for the region.”

The Sports Tourism Officer, with assistance from the Department of Communities, Sport and Recreation Services, surveyed a large number of players and spectators to gauge the economic impact of this event. The results are currently being analysed and will assist the club in completing funding applications to government bodies such as Queensland Events.

Cr Ramia said planning was already underway for the 2010 tournament with an event debrief scheduled in coming weeks.

“A sporting event of this calibre is precisely what the Sports Tourism Pilot project was developed to investigate and bring to the region.

“It is anticipated that the flow-on effect of staging this level of sporting event in the region will have a positive impact on the local community for years to come.

“It is hoped that Toowoomba will be the 'Home of the Queensland PGA' well past 2011 when the initial contract is due to expire,” Cr Ramia said.