Australia Post scores a "hole in one" with golf stamps
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
One of Australia's most popular sports, golf, will feature in a new stamp issue coinciding with the hosting of The Presidents Cup at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in November. The stamp issue comprises three domestic rate stamps (60 cents) and two international rate stamps ($1.65 and $2.35). This stamp issue is available from 27 September 2011.
"Australia Post is delighted to celebrate Melbourne's hosting of The Presidents Cup with this stamp issue," said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt. "The Presidents Cup showcases golf's best players as well as raising much needed funds for worthwhile charities."
The spirit of The Presidents Cup is one of international harmony and understanding, with each competitor allocating an equal portion of the funds generated to charities of his choice. Since the event's inception, in 1994, nearly $22 million has been raised for charities around the world.
Two of the game's greatest champions will captain their respective sides in 2011. Greg Norman for the international team and Fred Couples for the United States team will reprise their 1998 roles. Throughout its 17-year history, the world's greatest players have participated in The Presidents Cup, including Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tiger Woods.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, which also hosted The Presidents Cup in 1998, has the distinction of being the only course outside the United States of America to host the Cup more than once.
This year also marks the centenary of the Professional Golfers Association of Australia (PGA). The PGA of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the sport.
In Australia, plentiful space for the development of courses, together with our sports-oriented culture, has ensured that golf is among the most popular sports in the country. Today Australia has over 1,500 golf courses and more than 1.4 million golfers.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club founded in 1891, is Australia's oldest continuously running golf club. Despite its longevity, the oldest golf course in Australia is the Bothwell course in the Tasmanian midlands, established in 1839. The Bothwell Golf Club was formally established in 1902 and is still in operation.
The five stamps depict a golf glove, The Presidents Cup, golf shoes, golf club with golf ball and golf clubs. This stamp issue was designed by Jo Muré of the Australia Post Design Studio. Jo's recent stamp designs include the Centenary of Girl Guides (2010) and the Royal Wedding (2011).
The stamp products for this issue include a first day cover, stamp pack, minisheet, set of five maxicards, self-adhesive sheetlets of 5 x $1.65 stamps and 5 x $2.35 stamps, self-adhesive roll of 100 x 60c stamps, and a self-adhesive booklet of 10 x 60c stamps. The stamps and associated products are available from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps from 27 September 2011 while stocks last.
