Paul Casey and Branden Grace will join defending champion Bo Van Pelt and Brett Rumford at the Perth International at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.
Also announced today to join the line-up Australia’s leading amateur golfer - local hero Brady Watt. Watt is currently ranked fourth in the R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings.
Earning his Tour card in 2011, Grace took no time to make a name for himself as he won four European Tour events in the same year.
Grace won back to back titles in January in South Africa before adding wins in China and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.
The 25 year old is currently ranked sixth on the Race to Dubai and narrowly failed to add to his name to the winner’s list in July losing in a play-off to Phil Mickelson at the Scottish Open. He said it would be his first trip to Western Australia.
“I have heard some great things about the golf course at Lake Karrinyup Country Club and it will be an important week for me leading into the final series of the 2013 Race to Dubai,” Grace said.
Vice President and Director of Golf for IMG in Australia, David Rollo, said the player line up was presenting an exciting mix of talented youth and experience.
“Branden has had an incredible couple of years, capped off with his recently-announced debut in the International team for The Presidents Cup 2013 in early October. He is one of the really exciting talents in world golf.
“It was terrific to see Paul return to the winner’s circle this year at the Irish Open in June and we are delighted to welcome him back to Western Australia.
“We are also delighted to be able to provide an opportunity for Brady Watt to play an international Tour event in his home state. He has had an exceptional year being co-medallist at the US Amateur before reaching the semi-finals. He is a name to remember.
“Being the only Australian event to partner with The European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia means we will enjoy the talents of a diverse range of international golfers in Perth in October particularly at such an important time of the season in the lead up to the final series of the Race to Dubai,” Rollo said.
Rounding off a combination of youth and experience is three-time European Tour winner Richard Green who is also confirmed to play in Perth.
The Perth International in its second year is owned and promoted by IMG. It is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government, through Eventscorp.
Eventscorp Executive Director Gwyn Dolphin said the participation of Branden Grace in the event was great news for Western Australia.
“Grace is one of the rising stars of The European Tour and will be exciting to watch alongside the experienced Casey and Australia’s top amateur golfer Watt, who also happens to be a local lad,” he said.
“The Perth International not only adds vibrancy to the State by attracting thousands of spectators, it also delivers significant television and media coverage of Western Australia across the world.”
In addition to outstanding support from Eventscorp, the Perth International is partnered with premium brands including Volkswagen, Crown Perth, The West Australian, the Seven Network, Schweppes and TAG Heuer.
Tickets are now on sale for the Perth International, Australia’s richest Tour event. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au and start at $44. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by a paying adult and there are single day, weekend and four-day pass options available.
Lake Karrinyup Country Club is widely acknowledged as Western Australia’s premier private golf club and has been regularly rated as one of the top ten golf courses in Australia.
For general event information visit www.perthinternational.com and stay up to date on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/PerthInternationalGolf and Twitter - @PerthIntl. For ticket information go to www.ticketmaster.com.au and for travel packages visit www.events.com.au or call 1300 788 666.
