McDowell, Poulter and Scott set for Australian Masters

Perhaps a little lost in US PGA Championship week came the news that Adam Scott, Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter have all confirmed their attendance for the 2012 Australian Masters to be played at Kingston Heath in November.

Ian Poulter is the defending Australian Masters champion and it is great to see he will be back to defend his title. Poulter had great things to say about Victoria Golf Club last year and sounds happy to be testing out another of Melbourne’s sandbelt courses.

“I am delighted to return to Melbourne to defend my title. I thought Victoria Golf Club last year was an outstanding layout and I have heard a lot of great things about Kingston Heath.  I am already looking forward to returning to the sandbelt,” said Poulter.

Event organisers, IMG also announced that 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell will also be in the Masters field. According to the world golf rankings, the Northern Irishman is currently ranked 13 in the world and it will be McDowell’s first Australian Masters appearance and his first time in Australia for seven years.

“It has been a while since I last played in Australia and I have been desperate to get back down there ever since! It’s such a beautiful country with great golf courses, great people and lovely weather.  I am really looking forward to getting back down to Melbourne and playing on the sandbelt again,” said McDowell.

For the record, McDowell finished in a tie for 21st place at the 2005 Heineken Classic when it was held at Royal Melbourne.

In addition, world number six Adam Scott confirmed his attendance in the field in the Australian Masters, an event the hasn’t played since Tiger Woods’ infamous appearance in 2009.

“I’m delighted to be returning to play the Melbourne sand belt, and specifically the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath. It will be a great week and it’s fantastic to see top class International players like Poults and Graeme in the field. I’m sure we will see massive crowds and a fantastic tournament”, said Scott.