Aug 17 (Reuters) - Last year's U.S. Masters champion Charl
Schwartzel will tee off at the Oct. 18-21 Perth International,
which organisers hope will become a major stop on the golfing
calendar for years to come.
With prize money of $2 million, the event will become
Australia's richest and world number nine Jason Dufner is
another who will appear at Lake Karrinyup.
"It's the biggest purse in Australia and we are pushing for
more big names in the run-up to the event," spokesperson Janine
Pittaway told Reuters on Friday.
"The event is supported by the tour of Western Australia and
the plan is for it to become a long-term tournament for Western
Australia, like the Heineken Classic and Johnnie Walker
Classic."
South African Schwartzel has already won seven times on the
European Tour, culminating in his stunning victory at the 2011
U.S. Masters, where he became the first player to birdie the
final four holes to win at Augusta.
The 27-year-old will be bidding to emulate countrymen Gary
Player, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, who are all past champions
at Lake Karrinyup.
"I have always enjoyed the people and the culture (in
Australia) and the great sporting rivalry between our countries
in cricket and rugby," Schwartzel said in a statement.
"I am looking forward to visiting Perth and hopefully I can
continue the South African success at Lake Karrinyup."
Dufner has been a model of consistency this year, the
35-year-old runner-up at the 2011 U.S. PGA Championship and
boasting seven top 10 finishes this season.
"I have a real affinity for Australia and have heard a lot
of great things about Perth and Western Australia," said Dufner,
set to make his Ryder Cup debut next month.
"Hopefully I can continue my good play Down Under," added
the American. "I am excited to have the opportunity to play in
Western Australia for the first time."
The event is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia
and the European Tour and the winner of the event will receive
an exemption to the World Golf Championships, the HSBC
Champions.
(Reporting by Alastair Himmer in Tokyo; Editing by Patrick
Johnston)