World Number One Tiger Woods is proving to be a major drawcard for this year’s Australian Masters with ticket sales for the final day of the four-day event selling fast.

Sports Minister James Merlino said more than 70 per cent of the Sunday general admission tickets had been snapped up after four hours on sale, and prime grandstand seating on the 18th green had sold out.

Mr Merlino said many golf fans were also keen to see the four days of the event and more than 70 per cent of season passes, priced at $169, had also been sold.

“Tiger Woods is the world’s best athlete and first-day ticket sales have proven that golf fans are very excited about seeing the World Number One in Melbourne,” Mr Merlino said.

“If today’s ticket sales are anything to go by, I’m confident we will see more than 70,000 spectators through the gates at this year’s Masters.

“Five of Australia’s top 10 golf courses are situated in Melbourne’s sandbelt and these courses are recognised as some of the finest in the world.

“What better a place to see the best in the game and home grown World Number Five Geoff Ogilvy on show than our iconic sandbelt.”

The Australian Masters will be held at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath Golf Club from 12-15 November and tickets have been capped at 20,000 per day of the event.

Mr Merlino said general admission tickets, priced $44 per day for the first three days and $49 on the final day, had proven to be an affordable family-friendly option to see the world’s best golfer.

Children under 14 years of age will receive free entry if accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Mr Merlino said the Australian Masters is a major highlight of Victoria’s major sporting events calendar and would boost tourism, create jobs and generate up to $19 million for the economy.

He said tickets will be available through Ticketek on 132 849, at www.ticketek.com.au or by visiting any Ticketek outle. You can also enquire to ausgolf about Masters travel packages - travel@ausgolf.com.au