Jordan Spieth has returned to defend his Australian Open golf title, the championship which last year launched one of the most amazing years for any golfer in recent history.
Spieth's six-stroke triumph at the 2014 Open was the launch pad for his staggeringly successful 2015, when he collected two majors and was in contention for the other two as well. He won the US Masters and the US Open, was tied for fourth in the British Open and finished three behind Australia's Jason Day in the 2015 US PGA championship. 
Along with the interest generated by local stars Adam Scott and Australian Masters winner Peter Senior, many in the big galleries expected at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney's eastern suburbs will be there to watch Spieth.
Chief executive at Golf Australia Stephen Pitt says given good weather over the four days, a combined crowd of 60,000 could be reached - which would be higher than last year. "It's great to have Jordan back again to defend his title this year, alongside all the top local players who are competing," Pitt says.
"Last year Jordan probably snuck up a bit on people, but he then went on to have a truly incredible year."
The tournament is worth $1.25 million this year and is again backed by Emirates, who Pitt describes as one of the leading sporting sponsors in the world. Barry Brown, Emirates divisional vice president for Australasia, says the Australian Open, and golf generally, is a key element of the airline's sponsorship program.
"Emirates is the official airline for 24 golfing tournaments worldwide, including 19 tournaments that form part of the European Tour international schedule," Brown says. In Australia, the airline's commitment to golf includes the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast.
"In 2015, Emirates celebrates its fifth year as the naming rights sponsor of the Australian Open and we're proud to be part of a historic milestone as the tournament celebrates its 100th year."
Peter Senior's victory in the Australian Masters at Huntingdale last weekend was the third time he claimed the winner's yellow jacket. He was typically modest about his chances in the Australian Open, saying the relatively short course for the Masters suited his game much more than the longer course at The Australian. But his competitive spirit remains undimmed, lamenting he is yet to have the success on the US Champions Tour that he craves.
NEED TO KNOW
Australian Open
  November 26-29
The Australian Golf Club, Sydney
ausopengolf.com