Thanks to a miraculous recovery, American crowd favourite and dual Major winner John Daly will return to Australia in December to play the 2009 Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. The big-hitting crowd pleaser withdrew in September from both championships citing a flare-up of a rib injury sustained in 2007 but has recovered sooner than anticipated and will be back to thrill Australian fans. “My recovery from stem cell surgery has been closely monitored by my doctor and I have been cleared to begin playing competitively in two weeks. As such, I have added The Viking Classic to my 2009 US schedule plus have accepted invitations to play in the 2009 Australian Open and 2009 Australian PGA Championship,” Daly said. “I regret the confusion the injury process has caused but I&aposm relieved things have begun moving in the right direction. I look forward to returning to Australia and am grateful the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship have provided me with the opportunity to play in these premier events.” Long John Daly won the US PGA Championship in 1991 and the British Open in 1995 and remains one of world sport s great characters and most popular players. It will be the second consecutive year that Daly has played in both the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said golf fans would appreciate John s presence. It is fantastic to see him back for a second consecutive year and I wish him well as he continues his recovery, Pitt said. Max Garske, CEO of the PGA of Australia agreed: This is great news for Aussie golf fans! said Garske. We are delighted that John has had such a successful recovery from his injury and are as pleased as he is that he is returning for our Tour events. Daly s return strengthens already outstanding fields in both championships. The American will play alongside Australian golf legend Greg Norman and defending champion Tim Clark in the Australian Open, held at the stunning New South Wales Golf Club at La Perouse on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. A week later at the newly re-designed Hyatt Regency Coolum course, Daly will be joined by Fijian Major winner Vijay Singh, returning to Australia for the first time since 1998, and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy for the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. Both the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship will form the Australian swing of the new One Asia Series. The Australian Open will be held from 3-6 December at New South Wales Golf Club.