Gloria Jean’s Coffees has been announced as the title sponsor for the event. Having such an iconic name to headline sponsorship has given the historic golf event a much needed boost as we head into the traditional schedule of professional tournaments which include the Australian Masters and the Australian Open.

Gloria Jeans has their worldwide head office located in the Hills.

Many of Australia’s leading professional golfers will return from their overseas commitments in readiness to perform in front of home crowds.

Spectators attending the Gloria Jean’s Coffees NSW Open will enjoy the chance to watch some of these well-known names up close and experience tournament golf in their local community.

Whilst the final player field is yet to be confirmed, organisers have been liaising with some of Australia’s leading players and several overseas players, to participate in the event.

Past winners include Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Jack Newton, Greg Norman, Craig Parry and more recently, Peter O’Malley. 

Players also compete for World Golf Ranking points, which assist with their efforts in securing playing rights on the lucrative overseas tours, so a good result can have quite an impact on their future earning potential.

“To be able to bring a world renowned golf championship to one of metropolitan Sydney’s major growth areas, is a great opportunity for sport fans to be able to see tournament golf at its best,” said Golf NSW, CEO Stuart Fraser. 

“We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support including many locally Hills based businesses, as well as the wonderful involvement and assistance provided by the Hills Shire Council, who have all recognized the opportunity such an event presents through forming an association with the event.

“Not only are we expecting some exciting golf on the course, but we are providing a range of activities around the clubhouse including a children’s entertainment area, some promotional stalls including official event merchandise, gourmet food and on-course cafes where spectators will be able to relax and experience the first class hospitality Castle Hill Country Club has to offer.

“There are still some fantastic opportunities for corporate partners to access unique benefits such as Pro-Am spots which may include playing with one of the marquee players, signage on course, VIP hospitality and more.

“For spectators, together with Castle Hill Country Club we are investigating a number of on-site parking options so that when coming to the course this can be easily accessed from Windsor Road, and we will make an announcement on this shortly.  We want to ensure the experience of attending the event is an enjoyable one for players and spectators alike.”

A key factor to ensuring the success will be through the valuable assistance of volunteers.  Many expressions of interest to be involved have been received, with duties range from assisting with listing scores, operating the courtesy vehicles, marshaling duties on course to managing the driving range, controlling fairway cross-overs and assisting with player requirements.

If you would like to offer your services, Graeme Hayton is overseeing the volunteer program – contact details are on the event website www.nswopen.com

Castle Hill Country Club General Manager, Melissa Ellis, said: “The enthusiasm is certainly growing, which is exciting for our members, local community and entire region as our club will be showcased to a much broader audience.”

“We are encouraging all local businesses and families to come along and be part of a memorable event for the entire Hills district, and watch some of Australia’s best golfers up close, and see our magnificent course at its finest.”   The 2013 Gloria Jean’s Coffees NSW Open will be held at Castle Hill Country Club from November 21 to 24. 

Go to www.nswopen.com for more information.

Come and watch some of the best golfers on one of NSW best golf courses – Most importantly, spectator entry is FREE.