 Greg Norman Golf Australia is currently moving quickly to find a replacement for the Shark, but admit it’s going to be tight. Stephen Pitt, Golf Australia’s chief executive, told Inside Golf everything would be done to lure a high-profile golfer to Australia for the national championship. Naturally he’s disappointed the former world number one can’t play because of his shoulder injury not recovering in time, but insists golf fans are in for a stellar week. “While the championship will undoubtedly miss the magnetism of Greg it will mean some of the spotlight will return to the outstanding Australian depth in the field,” he said. “Naturally we’re disappointed that Greg will not be able to join us. “We wish him well in his recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Australian Open field in 2010.” On the advice of his doctors Norman will not play competitive golf again in 2009 after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in September. Norman will be unable to play in his signature event, The Shark Shootout, to be held the following week in Florida. The 2009 championship will herald the return of two-time Australian Open champion Aaron Baddeley for the first time since 2007. It will also be Adam Scott’s first appearance at the Australian Open since 2007. The Australian Open field will feature Australia’s top ranked players including Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott, Michael Sim, Mathew Goggin, Stuart Appleby, John Senden, Marc Leishman and Americans John Daly, Steve Marino and Kevin Stadler. Like most years, golf fans can also expect to see a host of emerging talent who are likely to feature strongly on the world golfing stage in years to come.
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