The tournament will attract golfers from the PGA Pro-Am series and Golf Victoria’s Ivo Whitton and Susie Tolhurst Amateur Events.

Horsham Golf Club president Leo Delahunty said the tournament will help reestablish confidence in the club.

“To have a tournament of this nature on a course that is as good quality as we have here is just going to be great,” he said.

“The course has really never been off the map but there has been some less than positive publicity and a lot of uncertainty.

“We still believe regional Victoria’s best golf experience is right here in Horsham.”

The 36-hole event will be the first time the PGA and Golf Victoria have combined two of their own tournaments into one. 

The top professionals will be playing for a chance to compete in the Victorian Open, while the amateurs will vie for points in their respective amateur series. 

PGA of Australia tournament coordinator Heath McLeod said the Horsham club was keen to be involved right from the start.

“I am really looking forward to getting to Horsham and showcasing the great course,” he said.

Horsham Rural City Council has thrown its support behind the tournament in an effort to ensure it will be more than a one-off.

Mayor Pam Clarke said the tournament would be another example of how well the city runs events.

“This will be a brilliant opportunity for the community to embrace an amazing event,” she said.

“There will be an enormous amount of interest in the tournament and a lot of people visiting.”

The tournament will be played on the weekend of October 6 and 7 with the club set to run clinics and a family fun day on the Friday.

Delahunty said professionals would most likely find the layout of the bunkers the biggest challenge on course.

“The greens will challenge as well but some of those pin positions, particularly on the second day, will be interesting,” he said.