FRED COUPLES has confirmed as a starter for the 2010 Australian Open to be played at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.

The popular American will add a huge amount of interest to the tournament and will join John Daly, Greg Norman, Geoff Ogilvy and defending champion Adam Scott in what is shaping as a stellar field.

Let’s hope the 50 year old actually makes it this year after pulling out last year because of a back problem.

Couples is currently enjoying an outstanding maiden season on the US Champions Tour and will help draw the crowds when the championship tees-off at The Lakes from December 2 to 5.

The former US Masters champion will be vying for prize money totalling $1.5 million and for the second successive season the open will be the penultimate leg on the new OneAsia Tour.

Announcing the signing today, NSW Minister for Major Events Kevin Greene said Sydney is synonymous with the Australian Open, a flagship event of our great sporting nation, first played in Sydney in 1904.

“To have one of golf’s most respected players Fred Couples playing this year is an honour for Sydney and this historic tournament.

“Together with Golf Australia we have a vision to transform the Australian Open into the pre-eminent golf tournament on OneAsia ,” Minister Greene said.

Said Couples: “I am very much looking forward to playing in the Australian Open in particular The Lakes Golf Club. I have not been to Sydney for some time and look forward to visiting this magnificent city once again.”

Known the world over as “Boom boom” because of the huge drives he hits with his effortless and much admired swing, Couples will be competing against his 2009 Presidents Cup captain rival – Greg Norman.

Tickets for the Australian Open go on sale from today and can be purchased through Ticketek by phoning 13 28 49.

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