No Smoking Policy in Victorian Open

Lucas Parsons, who will be paired with the Australian Premier, Jeff Kennett, in today's Victorian Open pro-am, has agreed to a request from tournament organisers not to smoke during the round, in line with the event's radical cigarette-free policy.

The New South Welshman, who is one of several keen puffers among the golf fraternity, has said he will refrain from lighting up during the pro-am, but has given no such promises about the four days of competition.

The AU$200,000 championship, which starts at Victoria Golf Club tomorrow, is being sponsored by the State Government, through VicHealth, and is officially known as the SmokeFree Victorian Open.

Every player, spectator and official will be urged not to smoke during the week of the tournament, but officials have conceded there is little they can do to enforce the ruling.

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