St Andrews is bracing for an Aussie invasion as 15 Aussies prepare to compete in The Open to be played at the home of golf from the 16-19 July.

Australia has a strong affinity to The Open and always has a
healthy contingent of competitors vying for the Claret Jug however 2015 will
see the most Aussies in action since 2008.

This year Australia will be represented by Jason Day (QLD),
Adam Scott (QLD), John Senden (QLD), Marc Leishman (VIC), Steven Bowditch
(QLD), Matt Jones (NSW), Geoff Ogilvy (VIC), Scott Hend (QLD), Marcus Fraser
(VIC), Rod Pampling (QLD), Greg Chalmers (WA), Adam Bland (SA), Scott Strange
(WA), Brett Rumford (WA) and Scott Arnold (NSW).

Demonstrating the depth of talent in Australian golf, these
representatives ply their trade on Tours all over the world including the PGA
TOUR, European Tour, Japan Tour and Asian Tour.

Amongst them Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy already have Major
victories on their career honour rolls while Jason Day, Steven Bowditch, Rod
Pampling and Adam Bland have all won in 2015.

"It is an exciting time for Australian golf, we have an
extremely talented crop of players representing our country all over the world,"
said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.

"The fact we have 15 players at The Open, the biggest
contingent in seven years, really highlights the strength of our
Professionals."

"Every year The Open produces some exceptional golf and I
like all Aussie sports fans will be watching keenly to hopefully see an Aussie
lifting the Claret Jug on Sunday."

The 2015 Open is the first time Scott Arnold will compete in
a Major; he is Australia’s only debutante with all other 14 players having
previously felt the pressure of playing on the world’s biggest stage.

"Competing in a Major is a wonderful opportunity and
experience at any stage of a player’s career, all the Aussies in the field this
year have worked hard and are certainly deserving of their positions," added
Thorburn.

"These 15 players are consistently fantastic ambassadors for
Australian golf and I am sure they will make us proud at St Andrews."

The field for the 2015 Open is almost set however there are
still two opportunities to gain entry into the year’s third Major.

The Australian contingent could be extended if an Aussie
were to finish as one of the leading three players (not otherwise exempt) who
finish in the top-12 and ties at the European Tour’s Aberdeen Asset Management
Scottish Open.

For the Australian’s competing on the PGA TOUR their last
hope of earning a place at The Open is on offer at the John Deere Classic with
the leading player, not otherwise exempt, who finishes in the top-5 and ties
receiving the final spot.

Both of these tournaments tee off tonight Australian time
with a strong Aussie contingent competing in each.

Related Links

Overview / The 144th Open
TV Schedule / FoxSports Live Coverage
Feature / Aussies to watch