Sergio Garcia, CT Pan are the latest golfers to commit to strong Australian Open

The 2019 Australia Open will feature the strongest field in years with two more big names committing to play.

Media Release courtesy of Australian Golf Media

Spanish superstar Sergio Garcia will play the 2019 Emirates Australian Open.

And in a field rapidly gaining international traction, Presidents Cup debutant CT Pan will also play at The Australian Golf Club from 5-8 December.

The pair adds to a burgeoning list of superstars coming to Sydney, joining Aussie favourites Jason Day, Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith, as well as four-time major champ Ernie Els, Open Championship hero Louis Oosthuizen and in-form Englishman Paul Casey, whose recent European Open win vaulted him to No.14 in the world rankings.

Garcia enjoyed his first win of the year at the weekend’s Dutch Open, remarkably his 35th win as a professional in all corners of the planet, including 10 times on the US PGA Tour.

The Ryder Cup hero, revered for his ball-striking prowess and flair, surged back up to No.32 in the world rankings after a win in his first appearance in the Netherlands tournament.

The 2017 Masters champion and a firm crowd favourite down under where he has previously played the Australian PGA and Masters, Garcia will make his Australian Open debut in New South Wales.

“I’ve always loved my visits to Australia and I know the Stonehaven Cup has a great history,” he said.

“So I can’t wait to get to Sydney and try to add my name to that trophy with such legends.

“I have always found Australian crowds to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable, so hopefully I can put on a show for them.

“And I’m really looking forward to having a look around Sydney while I’m down.”

Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt was delighted with the addition of both Garcia and Pan to the field.

“Like many, I was very excited when Sergio broke through at Augusta National in 2017 and we couldn’t be more thrilled that we’ll get to see that major championship-winning style back in New South Wales this summer – it’s great that he’s coming in winning form, too,” Pitt said.

“And we’re excited to welcome back CT, too. He’s really come of age the past couple of years and already has a great affinity with Australia.”

Pan, of Taiwan, first played the Australian Open as a 15-year-old amateur in 2006 when he missed the cut. He returned in 2015 and finished in a share of 21st in one of his first events as a professional.

His breakthrough win on the US PGA Tour came this year when he won the Heritage to ultimately ensure he would be among the top eight automatic qualifiers for the International team at the Presidents Cup.

The Emirates Australian Open is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

The tournament, hosted by The Australian GC for a record 21st time, will be telecast exclusively live across the screens of Ch.7

The Emirates Australian Open a flagship tournament on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia. The winner will receive a minimum of 32 Official World Golf Ranking points.

Tickets are now on sale. Visit www.ticketek.com and search “Open golf” to make sure you don’t miss seeing the world’s best golfers live in Sydney.