Niemann heads international stars for men’s Australian Open

Media Release:

Former champion Joaquin Niemann heads a list of four internationally acclaimed players who have been confirmed as starters in the men’s Australian Open at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club on December 4-7.

The winner in a playoff at The Australian Golf Club in 2023, the Chilean will be joined by Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Munoz and Josele Ballester in the field for the co-sanctioned Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour event.

Coming off an outstanding season that featured five victories, including LIV Adelaide, Niemann will be one of the favourites to win the Stonehaven Cup on the famed Composite Course which he previously played as a member of the International Team in the 2019 Presidents Cup.

Both Ortiz, from Mexico, and Munoz, from Colombia, are previous winners on the PGA TOUR, and are currently teammates of Niemann’s on Torque in LIV Golf where they have celebrated individual tournament victories and team success.

Spaniard Ballester, who was last year’s US Amateur champion is considered to be one of the best young prospects in world golf and is a member of the Fireballs squad on LIV.

Their involvement adds considerable strength to what is shaping up to be a stellar field for this year’s Open, joining the likes of Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Ryan Fox, Min Woo Lee, Cam Davis, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert.

“It’s always an honour to play in a championship like the Australian Open and having the opportunity to play this year at Royal Melbourne, and as a past champion, makes it even more special,” Niemann said.

“I have some great memories of playing the Composite Course with the International Team at the Presidents Cup and can’t wait to get back there again.

“That experience is going to be help but the practice rounds will be important because Royal Melbourne is one of those courses where you really need a good strategy and shape your shots.

“It’s been a really enjoyable year for me so far. To finish 2025 by winning the Stonehaven Cup again would make it even more memorable and set me up for 2026.”

Ortiz, 34, has secured International Series victories in Oman and Macau in the past 18 months and was the first Mexican-born player in 42 years to win on the PGA TOUR when he claimed the 2020 Houston Open.

He had his best ever finish in a major championship when he tied for fourth at this year’s US Open at Oakmont.

“I get to travel to many countries and Australia is one the best places in the world to play golf – not only because of the great courses but also because the fans are so involved and excited to watch us,” Ortiz said.

“They create a fantastic atmosphere.

“I’m looking forward to being back in Australia for two weeks - Brisbane for the BMW Australian PGA Championship and then Melbourne for the Australian Open.

“I haven’t played in these two events before but I know they’re two great tournaments that mean a lot to the Australians on tour and they’re in two great cities that we’re keen to see.”

Muñoz, 32, claimed his PGA TOUR title at the Sanderson Farms Championship in 2019 and beat Jon Rahm in playoff in August this year to win LIV Golf Indianapolis.

Ballester, 22, made his majors debut at this year’s Masters Championship before turning professional and finishing T2 in his fifth LIV start, losing in a playoff to South African Dean Burmester in Chicago in August.

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said: “The Australian Open is a celebration of the game and its international appeal. Bringing together leading players from the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and around the world ensures that spectators and viewers alike will see golf at its very best.

“To have players of the calibre of Niemann, Ortiz, Munoz and Ballester join our field augers well for a fantastic championship at Royal Melbourne.”

 

 

Back to News

More News