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Reigning Australian Open champion Jordan Spieth will return Down Under to defend his title later this year after tournament organisers locked in their No.1 drawcard.
The 23-year-old world No.3, who tipped out Ashley Hall and Cameron Smith to win an epic Australian Open struggle on the first play-off hole last year, will headline November's tournament at The Australian Golf Club.
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"I look back at the win in 2014 at The Australian, which is a great memory, and it definitely helped build momentum for a successful 2015. After coming so close again in 2015, it was great to get the Stonehaven Cup back last year.
"The Emirates Australian Open seems to grow in stature among the world's players every year and I really enjoy playing in front of the enthusiastic galleries in Sydney. It should be a great test again – I can't wait."
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Spieth's only other appearance at the Australian Open apart from his two wins was when he finished in a tie for second with Adam Scott and a shot behind hometown hero Matt Jones in 2015.
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Golf Australian chief executive Stephen Pitt said Spieth, who is fresh off his 10th US PGA Tour success, would again be a major crowd puller for the national championship.
"Jordan is one of the greatest players in today's game and has proven to be exceptionally popular with audiences in Australia and around the globe," Pitt said.
"He has been a great champion and ambassador of the Emirates Australian Open and, if you think back to his late charge in 2015, he could easily be playing for his fourth title in a row.
"We are really delighted that he is coming back again and think that he will form part of a very formidable line-up we're building for fans at The Australian."
The Australian Open will be held from November 23-26.
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