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Superstar Norman coming to Johnnie Walker Classic

Australia’s greatest ever golfer Greg Norman is the first golfing superstar to commit to the 2009 JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC when the event tees off in Perth from February 19 to 22.The participation of former world number one Norman, who two weeks ago rolled back the years at Royal Birkdale and almost secured an incredible third Open Championship title, is an indication that this Asia Pacific premier golf tournament will once again feature a strong field of international stars.Historically the Johnnie Walker Classic, one of Asia Pacific’s most established and popular golf events, has always boasted a high calibre line-up.With Norman's confirmation, Perth will be able to see Australia's greatest ever golfer in action alongside a host of other international golfing giants.The Perth tournament will be the 18th staging of the event, first played in 1990 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.Over the years, Norman has enjoyed a sparkling career that has seen him win over 80 tournaments worldwide including two Open Championships in 1986 and 1993 and spend a total of 331 weeks at the top of the official world rankings. The charismatic golfer, known throughout the world as the ‘Great White Shark’ makes a welcome return to the Johnnie Walker Classic which he won in 1994 at the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket.  In becoming the fourth winner of the coveted JOHNNIE WALKER Striding Man trophy,  Norman overcame a star-studded field that featured golfing greats such as Bernhard Langer of Germany, who had won his second US Masters the previous year;  Zimbabwean Nick Price, who went on to win the Open Championship and the US PGA Championship that same year;  American Fred Couples, who had won the inaugural Johnnie Walker World Championship;  and Ian Woosnam of Wales, who had been victorious at the US Masters just three years before.“I have always had a great time competing in Johnnie Walker events and particularly look forward to attending some of the spectacular off-course parties that the tournament is well known for,” said Norman.“It will also be a great treat to be competing back on home soil in Australia, especially in Perth which offers great weather, a fantastic championship course at The Vines and a wonderful backdrop for a tournament as prestigious as the Johnnie Walker Classic.” Over the past 18 years  the Johnnie Walker Classic has been played in eight different countries and 13 different golf clubs around the Asia Pacific region including China in 2005  and this year, for the first time, India.It will be the fourth visit to Perth, Western Australia for the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC and the fifth time the event has been staged in Australia.