Two of the biggest names in international women’s golf will come to Melbourne from 11-14 March for the 2010 HANDA Women’s Australian Open.

Swedish World Number 4 Anna Nordqvist, who completed a stunning rookie year in 2009, will be joined by Taiwan’s Yani Tseng, the World Number 6, at Commonwealth Golf Club.

Nordqvist, in just her fifth start as a professional, won her first Major at the 2009 LPGA Championship at Bulle Rock Golf Club, defeating Australia’s Lindsey Wright by four strokes.

Not satisfied with a Major win in her rookie year, Nordqvist won the LPGA Tour Championship presented by Rolex to complete a year which began with her win at the Ladies European Tour Qualifying School in Spain.

She was named 2009 Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year for her performances.

Coincidentally, Yani Tseng’s first Major victory also came at Bulle Rock Golf Club at the LPGA Championship in 2008.

Tseng won the LPGA Corning Classic title in 2009 and in 2008 finished runner-up at the Ricoh Women’s British Open before being named LPGA Rookie of the Year.

In March 2009, Tseng became the fastest player in LPGA Tour history to reach the US$2 million mark in career earnings.

Nordqvist and Tseng join four-time champion Karrie Webb AM and two-time champion Laura Davies CBE in what is shaping as the finest field in the championship’s history.

CEO Stephen Pitt said Golf Australia was looking forward to welcoming two of the world’s top 10 women to Melbourne.

“We’re very pleased to have players of the calibre of Anna and Yani join us at Commonwealth Golf Club,” Pitt said.

“At just 22 and 21 years of age respectively, these two women have made stunning starts to their professional careers which is reflected by their world ranking and we’re thrilled that fans will be able to see these talents live on Melbourne’s sand-belt,” Pitt said.

The 2010 HANDA Women’s Australian Open is held from 11-14 March at Commonwealth Golf Club.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW at www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849.

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