The world's third and fourth ranked golfers, Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy, are confirmed to play in the Australian Open at Royal Sydney in December, the PGA of Australia said Thursday.

Craig Parry is the defending champion for the 93rd Australian Open, which takes place from December 11 to 14.

The PGA also Thursday released the dates of Australian golf's other two big tournaments, the Masters and the PGA Championship.

The Masters, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and with 1.5 million dollars (1.42 million USD) prize money, takes place at Melbourne's Huntingdale course from November 27-30.

Australia's oldest professional tournament, the PGA championship, which has 1.4 million dollars (1.33 million USD) prize money, will again be staged at Queensland's Regency Coolum resort from December 4-7.

Organisers said this year's Australian Open will have a minimum 1.65 million dollars (1.56 million US) prize money.

Twelve Australian golfers are listed in the world top-100 rankings.

© 2008 AFP/sid