Golf: Australian Open in Sydney until 2015

The Australian Open golf championship will be played in Sydney until at least 2015 following a new multi-million dollar deal.

The extension of the current contract to stage the country's national title in Sydney comes after the New South Wales Government agreed to extend its support for the event.

Golf Australia says that confirmation of backing from the Iemma Government means it can launch a concerted bid to lure star international players and boost prizemoney.

"An enhanced Australian Open will be one of the key sporting attractions in the state's event calendar, which will be revealed later this year," Premier Iemma said.

Golf Australia's Anne Lenagan said the arrangement would pave the way for the Open to grow following its move from Melbourne in 2006.

"We now have a new platform on which to continue to build on the success of recent Australian Opens," Lenagan said.

This year's Open will be staged for the first time at the picturesque New South Wales Golf Club and will be played from December 11-14.

Current World No 4 Adam Scott along with World No 6 Geoff Ogilvy will line up in the tournament alongside defending champion Craig Parry.

- AAP