2013 Perth International preview

The Perth International kicks off the big Australian golf tournaments this summer.

A shot from the 2012 Perth International at Lake Karrinyup – credit SMP Images

The ISPS HANDA Perth International tees off at Lake Karrinyup this week with a great field that includes last year’s winner Bo Van Pelt, American Dustin Johnson and South Africa’s Branden Grace who is currently ranked seventh in the Race to Dubai rankings.

The tournament is co-sanctioned by the European Tour and players such as Ross Fisher, Soren Hansen and Paul Casey have made the journey in an attempt to finish their season off on a winning note. Casey had his best result of 2012 at Lake Karrinyup finishing in a tie for fifth spot, eight shots behind eventual winner Bo Van Pelt.

American Van Pelt outplayed Jason Dufner in the final round of the 2012 Perth International and is back at Lake Karrinyup to defend his title. Van Pelt has struggled on the US PGA Tour in 2013 largely due to a lingering Achilles injury forced him to withdraw after one round of the US PGA Championship.

“With the schedule in the summer, it’s pretty tough. We are playing a lot and walking five to seven miles a day and it just kind of caught up with me at the PGA. I was able to get some therapy and play okay those first two Playoff events but I just needed some rest.” Van Pelt said.

“It was good, like I said, to have five or six weeks off. Been able to get back in the gym and practise as hard as I want to practise, so I feel good. And so I’m looking forward to these three weeks.”

In addition to the International names, there are plenty of Australian golfers to keep an eye on this week.

Brett Rumford has won twice on the European Tour this year and will be keen to impress in front of his home fans and in just his second professional tournament, Nathan Holman posted a third place finish at the WA Open last week and will be one to watch over the summer.

Mat Goggin, Marcus Fraser, Daniel Popovic, Michael Sim and Peter Lonard are all in the field looking to grab a piece of the US$2million on offer at Lake Karrinyup.

Tickets to the Perth International can be purchased through Ticketek.
Channel 7 Two will be broadcasting live from Lake Karrinyup. Click here for broadcast times.

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