Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai have confirmed they will defend their titles at the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open to be held in Melbourne at Kingston Heath and The Victoria Golf Club’s from November 28 to December 1.

Claiming her second consecutive Patricia Bridges Bowl in 2023, after winning across the same host venues on Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt in 2022, Buhai will seek to become the first woman, and second player ever, to win a consecutive hat-trick of Australian Opens.

“I have a long history with Australia and have always loved visiting, and especially competing in the Australian Open which I’m thrilled is returning
to the Melbourne Sandbelt,” Buhai said.

“The names on the Australian Open trophy are special to be included alongside. Fortunately, I have had two years of looking at the trophy and I am hoping to make it a third this year.”

Lifting the Stonehaven Cup at The Australian last December following a thrilling play-off with Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino, the 25-year-old Niemann will defend a title for the first time in a professional career that includes five wins around the globe and seven at home in Chile.

“To have the opportunity to defend a title, especially a national Open, is something truly special that I am greatly looking forward to. I thoroughly enjoyed the Australian Open experience last year and think it will be a fantastic way to end a successful year,” Niemann said.

“Having played on the Melbourne Sandbelt previously, I can’t wait to try and go back-to-back across Kingston Heath and Victoria at this year’s tournament.”

Niemann backed up his Australian Open success by finishing second to Jon Rahm on the overall 2024 season points tally on the LIV Golf Tour. 

The two defending champions join Min Woo Lee among the confirmed starters for the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open.

“Having our men’s and women’s defending champions now confirmed as returning for the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open is a magnificent boost for the tournament,” Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said.

The 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open will be broadcast on Fox Sports and Kayo, as well as the NINE Network.