Norman and Scott to head Australian Open field

SYDNEY, May 11 (Reuters) Former world number one Greg Norman and current number nine Adam Scott will head the field for this year's Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Norman, 51, and Scott, 25, have accepted invitations to play in the 91st edition of their home Open from November 16-19.

''We are particularly delighted that Greg has agreed to play,'' Australian Open chief executive Paul McNamee told a news conference today.

''There is no doubt that Greg has changed golf in this country forever, dominating the sport internationally and paving the way for our current galaxy of golfers.'' Norman counts five Australian Opens among his 91 worldwide titles, which also include two British Opens, but he has not played in the event since 2000.

''The Australian Open has shaped my development as a player and a person,'' Norman said.

''I am delighted to be able to play in this year's tournament.

Golf in Australia has a storied history and with the depth of talent in this country, the present and future look even better.'' McNamee said he also hoped to attract a number of other top Australian players who, like Scott, spend most of their time on the US PGA Tour.

They include Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby and Rod Pampling, who are all ranked in the world's top 30.

''Australian players want to support the tournament and they have demonstrated a desire to play if their schedules allow it,'' McNamee said.

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