Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai have confirmed they are going to defend their titles on the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open to be held in Melbourne at Kingston Heath and The Victoria Golf Membership’s from November 28 to December 1.
Claiming her second consecutive Patricia Bridges Bowl in 2023, after profitable throughout the identical host venues on Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt in 2022, Buhai will search to turn out to be the primary lady, and second participant ever, to win a consecutive hat-trick of Australian Opens.
“I’ve a protracted historical past with Australia and have all the time cherished visiting, and particularly competing within the Australian Open which I’m thrilled is returningto the Melbourne Sandbelt,” Buhai stated.
“The names on the Australian Open trophy are particular to be included alongside. Fortuitously, I’ve had two years of trying on the trophy and I’m hoping to make it a 3rd this yr.”
Lifting the Stonehaven Cup at The Australian final December following an exciting play-off with Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino, the 25-year-old Niemann will defend a title for the primary time in an expert profession that features 5 wins across the globe and 7 at house in Chile.
“To have the chance to defend a title, particularly a nationwide Open, is one thing really particular that I’m enormously trying ahead to. I completely loved the Australian Open expertise final yr and assume will probably be a implausible option to finish a profitable yr,” Niemann stated.
“Having performed on the Melbourne Sandbelt beforehand, I can’t wait to attempt to go back-to-back throughout Kingston Heath and Victoria at this yr’s event.”
Niemann backed up his Australian Open success by ending second to Jon Rahm on the general 2024 season factors tally on the LIV Golf Tour.
The 2 defending champions be part of Min Woo Lee among the many confirmed starters for the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open.
“Having our males’s and girls’s defending champions now confirmed as returning for the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open is a powerful increase for the event,” Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland stated.
The 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open can be broadcast on Fox Sports activities and Kayo, in addition to the NINE Community.
