The ISPS HANDA Australian Open was already set to garner attention as the first national Open played concurrently by men and women. And the field has received a major boost on both fronts.
Aussie hero Cam Smith was confirmed this morning as playing the Fortinet Australian PGA and Australian Open, while his fellow Open Championship winner Ashleigh Buhai will tee it up at Victoria and Kingston Heath Golf Clubs from December 1-4.
Buhai was mentioned by Hannah Green, who will also play on the Sandbelt when speaking with the media in the immediate aftermath of the South African’s AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield as being keen to head Down Under.
“I love coming to Australia and playing on some of the best golf courses in the world,” Buhai said.
“I played at Victoria Golf Club in the Women’s Australian Open in 2014 and, even though I missed the cut, I know it’s a fantastic venue and Melbourne is a great place. If I can add another trophy to my collection that would be a great way to end an already very special year.”
The World No.25 triumphed in Scotland in a play-off with fellow major winner in 2022 In Gee Chun to claim her first win on the LPGA Tour.
As Golf Australia magazine understands another major winner is set for a return to Australia this summer as well.
Former World No.1 and two-time major winner So Yeon Ryu has expressed an interest in playing the Australian Open in December.
“Ashleigh Buhai is one of those stars and her commitment to the event highlights how well-received our new format has been internationally. She is a major champion and she wants to not only be a part of it,” Golf Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland said.
“The presence of this year’s Open champion and AIG Women’s Open champion is a great coup for the event and golf fans should not miss the opportunity to see them in action.”
On the men’s side of the event, Smith will be joined by close friend Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.
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