BIG HITTING US golfing star Dustin Johnson is the latest high profile player to join the field for next month’s 2013 Perth International at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.
Johnson is a big favourite on tour and has seven US PGA TOUR wins under his belt, including his four stroke victory at the 2013 Tournament of Champions in January.
The laid-back 29-year-old’s strong season has continued and in July he tied for 2nd in the Canadian Open and is also playing this week in the 30 man TOUR Championship.
Johnson will be taking his distinctive powerful golf swing to Perth for the first time.
“I love playing in Australia and the timing of the Perth International
worked perfectly for my fall schedule,” he said this week. “I have heard great things about the city and the lifestyle there, so I am really looking forward to playing in Western Australia for the first time.”
Vice President and Director of Golf for IMG in Australia, David Rollo, said past Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup team member Johnson would be exciting to watch on the greens of Lake Karrinyup.
“Dustin is one of the great athletes in golf and one of the most exciting players in the game.
“I am sure the fans will really enjoy watching him play and be in awe of his driving. Dustin hasn’t played In Australia since The Presidents Cup 2011 and we are delighted to welcome him to Perth.”
The field for the Perth event, promoted as Australia’s richest tour event, is looking increasingly attractive.
Johnson will join a line-up that already includes fellow American and defending champion Bo Van Pelt, 2013 Presidents Cup International team member and 2012 European Tour four-event winner Branden Grace from South Africa, Brett Rumford – winner of back to back
events on the European Tour this season, 12-time European Tour event winner and 2013 Irish Open champion Paul Casey from England, three-time European Tour winner Richard Green, as well as Australia’s leading amateur golfer – local hero Brady Watt.
The Perth International, staged October 17 to 20, will be televised nationally on 7TWO (live in all states besides WA).