The 2009 LPGA Major champion, Tour Championship winner and Ladies European Tour Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year, Anna Nordqvist, will make her first appearance in Australia as a professional when she competes at the ANZ Ladies Masters to be played at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland in March.

The 22 year old Swede has enjoyed an amazing rookie year since turning professional last December. Nordqvist made headlines around the world in June when she won in just her fifth start as a professional. Not only did she secure her first victory on the LPGA Tour, but it just happened to be a major, the McDonalds LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola. She topped off her year with a win in the season ending LPGA Championship presented by Rolex, where she carded a final round seven-under par 65 to defeat world number 1, Lorena Ochoa, and a field which included the top 60 LPGA Tour players.

Nordqvist, who secured her 2009 LPGA Tour card through last year’s Qualifying tournament, recorded five top 10 finishes in 17 starts, finished the year 15th on the LPGA Money List with $US871,785 and is now ranked 7th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf rankings.

Nordqvist joined Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa, South Koreans Jiyai Shin and Na Yeon Choi as the only multiple winners on the LPGA Tour this year.

The Swede is also a member of the Ladies European Tour (LET) after she finished on top of the leader board at the Q-School at the start of 2009. In six appearances on the LET, she finished 13th on the Henderson Money List and secured the Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year. She also made her debut appearance in the Solheim Cup played in September.

Anna Nordqvist said “My first trip to Australia was last year and it was one I'll never forget. I was a member of the Swedish side in the World Amateur Team Championship and we were fortunate enough to win. Now I am delighted to be able to go back and compete as a professional in strong fields at both the ANZ Ladies Masters and the Women's Australian Open. I've always wanted to visit the Gold Coast, it sounds like a combination of Miami and Las Vegas in the States. I'm really forward to coming back to Australia next year and supporting the Ladies European Tour”

The Swede will join the best field ever assembled at the Masters.

Fellow Australians that are confirmed starters include former World No. 1 and six times ANZ Ladies Masters champion Karrie Webb (World No. 13), Nikki Campbell, who won in Japan this year and Sarah Kemp.

ANZ Ladies Masters Tournament Chairman Bob Tuohy, welcomed the news of Nordqvist inclusion in the field. “Anna has rocketed into prominence in her rookie year, and has become a truly world class player in a very short space of time. The 2010 ANZ Ladies Masters will benefit greatly from her inclusion as we welcome yet another major winner to the tournament which has a history of attracting the big names."

The 21st ANZ Ladies Masters will be played at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on Queensland's Gold Coast from 4 to 7 March and will be broadcast by Network Ten and One HD on March 5 to 7. Tickets now on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets. ANZ Ladies Masters proudly supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Further announcements regarding international player commitments will be made over the coming weeks.