Golf Australia announced today US born Kevin Stadler, UK&aposs Anthony Wall and local boy 2006 Japan Open winner Paul Sheehan will be contenders for the 2006 MFS Australian Open and due to family health issues Sean O Hair has withdrawn. Son of golfing icon Craig Stadler, a 13-time winner on the US PGA Tour and former US Masters winner, Kevin Stadler, is set to take to the greens at Royal Sydney. Kevin has claimed victories in the recent 2006 Johnnie Walker Classic as well as the 2005 Centenary Argentine Open and is sure to make an impact at the Open. Stadler is also the current leader of the Australasian PGA Tour Order of Merit, a four-time winner on the Nationwide circuit and is ranked 7 on the Nationwide Tour. Joining Stadler will be Britain s, Anthony Wall. Wall the highest placed British player at this year s British Open is a golfer to look out for. Starting the new millennium in style, he won his maiden European Tour title the 2000 Alfred Dunhill Championship in Johannesburg. Wall is currently ranked 12 on the European Order of Merit and is 62 on the world rankings. Paul McNamee, Executive Chairman of the Australian Opens, Golf Australia, stated, These are two pedigree players that are itching to deliver. They are serious contenders and would like nothing better than to take our Open title out of Australia. Also joining the Australian contingency for the Open is Paul Sheehan. Paul is a three-time winner on the Japan Tour, and along with last week s win at the Japan Open he is also the title holder of this year s Jacobs Creek Open. Paul was equal runner-up at last year s MFS Australian Open and is currently 3 on Australasian Tour money list behind Kevin Stadler and Nick O Hern. Sean O Hair s decision to withdraw from the 2006 MFS Australian Open is a personal one and means he can now be close to his wife who is due to give birth. In withdrawing, Sean stated that he had been really looking forward to competing in this year s Open. It would have been his first trip to Australia but being on the other side of the world, away from his wife playing in the Open was no longer an option. He expressed his sincerest apologies and enthused that he would be keen to come down under in 2007. McNamee commented, We fully understand and support Sean s decision. What is important now for Sean and Jackie is that all goes well. The 2006 MFS Australian Open will be played from November 13 through to 19 at The Royal Sydney Golf Club. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 1300 136 122 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.au.
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