Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Andrew Stoner said the Australian Open Champion and current British Open Champion would return to play exclusively in Sydney at the 2014 Emirates Australian Open, to be held from 27-30 November.

“Securing Rory McIlroy is a hole in one for golf fans in NSW and a great boost to the State’s major events calendar,” Mr Stoner said.

“Following his recent success, McIlroy is in career best form and this will be the only opportunity for sporting fans in Australia to see him in action against some of the world’s best golfers,” he said.

McIlroy has expressed his delight at returning to Sydney in November: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to Sydney in November to defend my Emirates Australian Open title,” McIlroy said.

“I had a terrific experience last year in front of great crowds. They really loved the showdown between myself and Adam. And it proved to be a really important win for me. I believe my return to form was given real momentum in Australia last year.

“I’ve heard great things about The Australian Golf Club since the Jack Nicklaus redesign and I look forward to competing in front of the Aussie fans again later in the year.”

Mr Stoner said the NSW Government has worked hard to secure the best available talent for the Emirates Australian Open of Golf in Sydney in order to ensure the event remained the best in the Asia-Pacific region.

“In Sydney and NSW we are fortunate to be able to access many stunning, world class golf courses and with the 2014 Australian Open set to be held at The Australian Golf Club, players and fans alike are in for a treat,” Mr Stoner said.

“With a bumper winter of sport currently on offer in this State, this announcement reinforces Sydney’s position as Australia’s premier home of the most exciting major sporting events.

“The NSW Events Calendar this August alone features the Italian football giants Juventus clash with the Foxtel A-League All Stars, the Bledisloe Cup kicking off in Sydney on 16 August, the Australia Surf Festival in Coffs Harbour, the Sydney Motorsport Park 400, Rugby Union’s Bingham Cup and much more.”

Tickets for the Australian Open will go on sale via Ticketek on Monday, 1 September 2014.

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