Great White Shark a major drawcard at The Vines

PERTH'S reputation for hosting world-class sporting events puts the state in a strong position when it comes to future high-profile bids.

The state government, through Eventscorp, a division of Tourism WA, sponsors events such as the UBD Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships, the Velux 5 Oceans Yacht Race, the Griffin Energy Australian Polocrosse Championships, the Anaconda Adventure Race, and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The Johnnie Walker Classic which this month will host 150 international players at The Vines Resort vying for $US2.7 million in prize money, is expected to inject $9 million into the WA economy in direct visitor expenditure.

The Vines general manager Mike Stanton said with Greg Norman secured as a major drawcard this year, up to 60,000 spectators could attend the four-day event.

"I think despite the downturn, the numbers will be up because it's not often you get to see players of this quality here,'' Mr Stanton said.

"And with this event, it's probably the last chance you'll see Greg Norman play golf in Western Australia."

Last year, the state government secured the Red Bull Air Race for three more years, starting from 2010, but WA will not host this year's event due to scheduling changes.

The race, which is the only one of its kind in Australia and touches down in only 10 cities worldwide, generates almost $15 million in direct visitor expenditure, not including flow-on economic benefits to the state.

In recent years the event attracted crowds of more than 340,000 to watch the final leg of the series.

The Ironman WA Triathlon is set to descend on Busselton in December despite speculation the Busselton shire would veto the event.

Busselton manager of community development, Allan Whitfield, said the shire was hopeful of renewing the three-year deal, but was yet to enter formal talks with event organiser, International Management Group.