Couples coup for Sydney

Former world No.1 and US Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples will compete at next month's Australian Open in Sydney.

Tournament organiser Golf Australia announced that the 50-year-old 1992 US Masters champion would play in the event to be held at New South Wales Golf Club from December 3-6.

"I am very much looking forward to playing in the Australian Open and in particular the New South Wales Golf Club which is known as one of the most beautiful links courses in the world," Couples said in a statement.

"I haven't been to Sydney for some time and look forward to visiting this magnificent city once again."

It has been 11 years since Couples, a five-time Ryder Cup and four-time Presidents Cup representative, last played in the Australian Open.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he was thrilled to welcome Couples to the Harbour City.

"It's fantastic that Fred is able to join us at the Australian Open for the first time in more than a decade and make a welcome return to Sydney," Pitt said.

"Fred is one of the world's most popular and charismatic golfers and is a joy to watch. He is playing very well and fans will jump at the chance to see him play the spectacular NSW Golf Course at La Perouse."

Couples had four top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour in 2009 including third-place finishes at the Shell Houston Open and Northern Trust Open and joins fellow Americans John Daly, Steve Marino, Kevin Stadler and Bryce Molder in the field.

Greg Norman was forced to withdraw from the field last week because of a shoulder injury.