The Australian Open is building international momentum, as the world's top players recognise it as a valuable launching pad for winning majors, its tournament director says.
Masters champion Jordan Spieth reaffirmed his intentions on Sunday to defend his Australian Open crown in Sydney later this year, crediting his stunning six-shot win last November as a catalyst towards his record-equalling Augusta National triumph.
The 21-year-old American joined world No.1 and 2013 champion Rory McIlroy as players who have gone on to win majors the year after securing the Stonehaven Cup.
He's also the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1975 to hold both the Australian Open and Masters trophies at the same time.
Golf Australia tournament director Trevor Herden said he was delighted Spieth planned to return to Royal Sydney Golf Club this November.
"For him to speak about that is very promising for the Open itself," Herden told AAP.
"And the fact that Rory's won and now Spieth, there's a lot to be said to that.
"The Australian Open is definitely on the up - it has good momentum right now and I think if we get more and more internationals wanting to come and play it can only get better.
"They see there's good value in it and that it's going to be a force in the future."
While much of the Australian Open field is made up of local players, it's also an attractive option for those looking to earn extra world ranking points before the end of the year to help qualify for the majors in the next.
Last year's stage included Spieth, McIlroy and fellow former world No.1 Adam Scott, while Jason Day pulled out to continue his back injury rehabilitation.
Herden said he was confident international interest was rising, and expected to start receiving enquiries around the time of the British Open in July.
"It's fair to say that there's been a lot of interest - player enquiry and manager enquiry - about coming down to Australia," he said.
"I noticed an increased number last year so I would expect this year again to be similar, if not even more.
"We would love to get Rory (McIlroy) and certainly want Adam (Scott) to come back, and Jason Day maybe.
"If we can get hold of the Australian contingent and then get four or five of the top 20 in the rankings, that's a bonus."
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