Golf Australia and Events New South Wales are thrilled to announce an unprecedented strategic partnership that will secure the Australian Open through to 2015 with the aim of it becoming the premier event in the Asia Pacific region. This new multi-million dollar agreement enables Golf Australia to accelerate its long term goals for the Open and importantly provides the funding to attract star international players and increase prize money. Identified as a “Hallmark Event” by the NSW Government in 2007, Premier Morris Iemma was delighted at securing the Open, he stated We have a long term vision for the Open and are committed to building the Championship into the region s premier golfing event. An enhanced Australian Open will be one of the key sporting attractions in the State s event calendar, which will be revealed later this year. Anne Lenagan, Golf Australia Chairman and interim CEO, said We are incredibly excited and greatly appreciate the New South Wales Government s support through Events New South Wales. We now have a new platform on which to continue to build on the success of recent Australian Opens. The last two Opens in Sydney have witnessed growing crowds, a festival atmosphere and a new sense of ownership and pride in our national championship. Events New South Wales vision and commitment can only raise the championship to new levels . Continuing to showcase Sydney s world renowned golf courses it was also announced today that the breathtakingly picturesque New South Wales Golf Club will be home to the 2009 Australian Open. It will be the first time that the Open will be played at New South Wales Golf Club. Designed by the legendary Alister Mackenzie, the course is rated as New South Wales best and has been consistently ranked in the world&aposs top 50 golf courses. This year&aposs Australian Open is set to make a triumphant return to The Royal Sydney Golf Club from 11 to 14 December. Current world number 4 Adam Scott along with world number 6 and 2006 US Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy will join 2007 winner Craig Parry in contesting the 93rd Australian Open. It’s a great day for golf. An enhanced strategic partnership with Events New South Wales and a joint vision for growth, the opportunity to showcase Australia s immense talent alongside an international star field on wonderful courses, the future of the Australian Open is very exciting, added Lenagan.