(Canberra, 8 January 2013)

Rolex World Number 1 Yani Tseng, Rolex World Number 3 Stacy Lewis, defending champion Jessica Korda and Cheyenne Woods, niece of Tiger, will tee off in Canberra at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open from 14 -17 February at Royal Canberra Golf Club.

Tseng, 23, won three times on the LPGA Tour in 2012 and, being a two time former champion at the Women’s Open, is looking forward to her return to the championship which forms part of Canberra’s Centenary celebrations.

\"I`m really excited about returning to Australia to play the ISPS Handa Women`s Australian Open at Royal Canberra Golf Club in February,” Tseng said.

\"I`ve made a lot of good friends at this championship and in Australia and I`m looking forward to playing for my third Australian Open title which would also be a great start to my 2013 LPGA Tour season,” Tseng said.

Woods, 22, turned professional in 2012 and will make her ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open debut after claiming her first professional win on the SunCoast Ladies Series in the United States in August.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to begin my 2013 season at the ISPS Handa Australian Women’s Open. I have always wanted to travel to Australia, and to have the chance while competing in one of the world’s premier tournaments is an absolute thrill,” Woods said.

Lewis, 27, enjoyed her most successful year on Tour winning the Rolex Player of the Year award following her four victories. She was the first American player to win the Player of the Year award in more than 15 years.

Korda, 19, returns to defend her Open crown after maiden LPGA Tour victory last February.

The quartet will join Australia’s Karrie Webb and a host of international stars on the Yarralumla layout in the season-opening event for the 2013 LPGA Tour.

Players will travel in style with Audi confirmed as the Official Vehicle Partner of the championship while all players will stay at the five-star Hotel Realm in Canberra.

Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he looked forward to welcoming the world’s best to Canberra.

“We are delighted to have Yani, Stacy and Jessica coming back to Australia. Yani and Stacy won seven titles between them in a dominant year on the LPGA Tour and their form bodes well for the start of the new season,” Pitt said.

“We will extend a warm welcome to Cheyenne as Canberra gears up for its first glimpse of the world’s global tour in a little over a month. It’s always a fantastic week and I encourage all sports fans in Canberra and around Australia to come along and enjoy a great four days of world-class golf action.”

The championship will be broadcast live on ABC1 on all four days.

Travel packages and corporate hospitality bookings are available. Visit the official championship site at www.womensaustralianopen.com.au for more information.

Tickets for the championship are available via www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849.

The 2013 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open will be played at Royal Canberra Golf Club from 14-17 February.