Sydney will remain the home of the Australian Open golf championship for at least another eight years under a new deal struck with the NSW government.

The city’s stranglehold on the country’s most prestigious golf tournament will extend to a decade when the 100th Australian Open, featuring defending champion and world No.1 Jordan Spieth, is held at The Australian GC from November 26-29.

Melbourne is considered by many the spiritual home of Australian golf with its string of great sandbelt courses.

But organisers ensured the Open stays in Sydney for a lot longer with the eight-year deal done between Golf Australia and the government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

“I’m pleased to announce this event is here to stay as it celebrates its 100th edition this November,” said NSW Premier Mike Baird.

“This year’s Open has once again attracted a high-quality field, including dual major winner, defending champion and world No.1 Jordan Spieth alongside our own Masters winner and former Australian Open champion Adam Scott.”

Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt welcomed the long-term deal.

“We’ve been thrilled with the support from the NSW government, our naming rights sponsor Emirates and the players,” said Pitt.

“Along with the clubs and golf fans of Sydney who’ve really embraced the event, we have raised the global awareness of the championship and also of Sydney as a world-class golfing destination.

“The Open continues to deliver the world’s best players to Sydney, as evidenced in the past two years when Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth have each springboarded to world No.1 status and major championship victories after winning the Stonehaven Cup.”

via Sydney’s 8-year deal for Aust Open golf | SBS News.