Huge prize money increase for Vic Open

The Vic Open will become Australian golf's richest tournament from 2019 onwards, with the combined prize pool swelling to $3 million.

The tournament, where men and women compete for equal prize money, has seen the cash on offer increase ten-fold since moving to the 36-hole 13th Beach layout in 2013.

The women's Vic Open is already co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour, with hopes high that the men's event will now gain similar European Tour status.

The 2019 event runs from February 7-10.

This year's prize pool was $1.8 million.