American
golf sensation Jordan Spieth is returning to seek a second Emirates Australian
Open title to add to his bulging list of achievements.

Spieth,
the world’s No. 2 player, has committed to joining what promises to be an
impressive field for Australia’s national championship at Royal Sydney Golf
Club from November 17.

The
22-year-old from Texas won the Emirates Australian Open at The Australian in 2014
with a stellar 63 on the final day, and narrowly missed a playoff at the same
venue in 2015 when he finished tied-second with Adam Scott, a single shot
behind Matt Jones.

The
2014 triumph launched Spieth on an amazing run of success in which he climbed to
No. 1 in the world and won consecutive major championships, the Masters
tournament at Augusta National and the US Open at Chambers Bay in Washington in
2015.

Jordan
has acknowledged that the win at The Australian was a huge turning point in his
career.

"I
have really enjoyed my previous visits to Australia and I can’t wait to get
back in November,” said Spieth.

"I
look back at my win in the 2014 Emirates Australian Open with great memories as
it helped me build momentum for 2015.

"The
Emirates Australian Open seems to grow in stature among the world’s players
every year. The field is always strong and Royal Sydney should be a great
test."

Golf
Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt welcomed the news. "Jordan is one
of the greatest players in today’s game and has proven to be exceptionally
popular with audiences in Australia and around the globe,” said Pitt.

"He
has been a great champion of the Emirates Australian Open and came within an
inch of defending his title in our thrilling finish last year.

"We
are really delighted that he is coming back again and think that he will form
part of a very formidable line-up for fans at Royal Sydney."

NSW
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart
Ayres was also delighted with the news.  "Jordan Spieth is one of the best
golfers on the planet, and it’s great to see him coming back to Sydney to play
in the Australian Open for the third straight year." said Mr Ayres.

"The
Australian Open has been secured for Sydney by the NSW Government through its
tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Tickets are now on sale and I
suggest moving fast and booking today!"

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

The
event will be telecast all four days on Channel 7.