New PGA venue makes dinosaurs a thing of the past

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — The Australian PGA tournament has been moved to the Gold Coast after the 2012 edition was overshadowed by billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer's decision to position a giant robotic dinosaur outside the clubhouse and post unusual signage around his the Coolum resort course last year.

PGA of Australia chief executive Brian Thorburn confirmed Wednesday that the tournament, which dates back to 1905, would be held for the next five years at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast, which has hosted the Australian Ladies Masters since 1992.

Royal Pines will spend $5 million over three years to upgrade the course layout the course.

Negotiations to keep the tournament at Palmer's Coolum resort failed after a 26-foot mechanical T-Rex nicknamed "Jeff" generated international headlines during the 2012 edition.