Clarke to take on Aussies

Clarke: Accepted invite

When we come back here - we're here so little - we want to play well.

Geoff Ogilvy
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Darren Clarke will share top billing with a host of local stars at the 93rd Australian Open at Royal Sydney starting on December 11.

The Ulsterman will add an international flavour to the event while the Australian authorities have increased its Asian exemptions this year, allowing for the appearance Japanese teen sensation Ryo Ishikawa.

The 17-year-old made history on the Japan Tour when, aged just 15, he lifted the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup, eclipsing the previous record held by Seve Ballesteros, who was 20 when he won the Japan Open.

All the popular Australian golfers will be present at their home tournament, headed by world number 17 Adam Scott, 18th-ranked Geoff Ogilvy plus former champions Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Peter Lonard and defending champion Craig Parry.

Fierce competition

Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy finished second to John Senden two years ago and admitted he is hungry for success in his homeland.

"It's the one I want to win," he said. "This year I want to go one better and walk away with the title. The competition will be especially fierce between the Australians.

"It definitely becomes a thing if you don't get it (an Australian Open win) early because every year you come back you get asked this question and it makes you think about it even more.

"You play well all year and the golf junkies see it but not many of the public see it so you want to show them you can actually play.

"It's a bit like when you're a kid and you play golf with your old man; you try too hard when you play with your dad.

"When we come back here - we're here so little - we want to play well.

"That's an added element that makes it difficult."

Another past US Open champion, New Zealand's Michael Campbell, will also be in the line-up.