AUSTRALIAN OPEN organisers are negotiating to set up a rematch between golfs world number one Greg Norman and his US Masters nemesis Nick Faldo.
Norman is already contracted to play the Open at The Australian golf course in Sydney from November 21-24 and the Australian Golf Union has approached Faldo's management, chasing the winner of six majors as the main overseas, attraction for the tournament.
Boosting its chances is a new five year sponsorship deal for the tournament which has lifted prize money from 850,000 dollars (approximately £425,000) to a record one million dollars (approximately £500,000).
Faldo inflicted the cruelest defeat of Norman's roller coaster career with considerable help from Norman at last month's Masters at Augusta, Georgia.
Norman blew a six shot lead head to head in the final round with Faldo, who shot 67 to the Shark's 78 and claimed his third Masters by five shots.
"We're talking to Faldo's management," said AGU executive director Colin Philips yesterday. "They have not been back to us yet to tell us if he is available but we'll be seeking an answer.
"Greg has confirmed he will negotiate a new contract. We have spoken to him and he's especially keen now we have a sponsor who he is also involved with."
