Norman Returning For Australian Open

Courtesy of the Australian Open

Australia's greatest ever golfer will once again play in the nation's most treasured championship when Greg Norman heads the field in the 2009 Australian Open to be played at the NSW Golf Club December 3-6, 2009.

Norman is a five-time winner of the Stonehaven Cup and at 54 commands enormous respect and huge galleries wherever he plays in the golfing world.

He has a well known love affair with the spectacular links course at La Perouse, a course recently ranked Australia's number one course and the only non-British course in the World's Top 10 golf courses outside the USA.*

Norman has committed to play the next three Australian Open Championships held in Sydney with the 2010 Championship set down for the stunningly re-modelled layout at The Lakes.

"I look forward to returning to Sydney to play the AO this December. I'm particularly pleased that Golf Australia have selected the NSW Golf Club as the venue. Not only is the venue a favourite amongst the players it will provide an excellent backdrop for showcasing Sydney and NSW as an extraordinary golf destination." Norman said.

Norman last played in the event in 2006, finishing tied for 26th.

In addition to his commitment to the Australian Open, Norman will also become an ambassador for Tourism NSW.

Premier Nathan Rees said the NSW Government was thrilled to have Greg Norman back in Australia's global city.

"Greg has won more tournaments in Sydney than any other city in the world," Premier Rees said. No Australian sportsman is held in higher regard internationally and he will bring tens of thousands of spectators through the gates over the four days of the Championship."

"For the millions watching around the world, surely there is no more picturesque backdrop to showcase Sydney than the New South Wales Golf Club," Mr. Rees said.

Golf Australia Chief Executive Stephen Pitt said the return of the Great White Shark was a wonderful fillip for the Australian Open and the organization for this year's event is taking shape.

"We are naturally delighted Greg will be with us again at NSW and the championship promises to be a true spectacle," Pitt said.

* Rankings from US Golf Digest May 2009.