David Graham will come home to join celebrations of the 100th edition of the Emirates Australian Open.
Australia’s only male winner of two different major championships will join a star-studded cast of past champions to appear at The Australian Golf Club during this month’s Open in Sydney.
Graham and wife Maureen, based in Texas, have not been in Australia since his emotional return to the 2011 Presidents Cup in Melbourne.
And there are sure to be more magical moments with up to 19 past champions to take part in a special Champions’ Commemorative Drive ceremony on the first tee at 12.15pm on Wednesday, November 25.
It is hoped that champions representing seven successive decades – spanning from 1951 winner and five-time Open Championship hero Peter Thomson through to defending champion and dual major winner Jordan Spieth – will be involved.
Graham, 69, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame at St Andrews in July, was thrilled to be coming home.
“I’m happy for a lot of reasons … to see some family and friends, just to be back in Australia and also to go on a bit of a nostalgic adventure,” said Graham, the 1977 champion.
“To be involved with the 100th celebrations is awesome and it’s really special to do it at the club where I won my Open and where I’m a member, at The Australian.
“The Open has obviously had its ups and down over the years, but clearly with everything that’s going on this year and in the past few years, it’s heading in the right direction on and off the course.
“With so many quality Australian players coming home to play and Jordan Spieth to defend his title, it should be a fantastic week.
“I can’t wait to be involved and see it first hand.”
The array of past champions will be at various functions throughout Open week with a cocktail reception at The Australian on Tuesday night, followed by the ceremony on Wednesday and a special Golf Australia Club luncheon on Thursday as the first round unfolds.
As the Emirates Australian Open approaches, the official website, www.ausopengolf.com, will also feature tributes from several other champions who are unable to attend.
Graham will also be honoured separately at the Australian Golf Writers' Association's annual awards dinner on Saturday night.
The US Open and US PGA Championship winner will be the AGWA's honouree of the year for his outstanding contributions to Australian golf.
"That Saturday is something I'm looking forward to as well — that should be another great part of the week," Graham said.
AGWA secretary George Begg was thrilled Graham would be in Sydney to accept the gong.
"David has been a legend of Australian golf for a long time and we're very excited to be able to honour him in person — it will be a great night," Begg said.