Australian Open signs up Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke

European stars Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke are heading Down Under to play in the Australian Open.

Lee Westwood will be teeing up at The Australian in a bid to win his second Australian Open title.

The last time good mates Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke played the Australian Open together, Westwood took home the Stonehaven Cup after beating Australian great Greg Norman in a playoff.

That was back in 1997 and Westwood became the first European to win the trophy, so it is fitting he will return next month to contest the centenary edition of the tournament at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney.

Golf Australia confirmed yesterday that Westwood and 2011 British Open winner Clarke were in the field for the Open, joining defending champion Jordan Spieth and another former winner in Adam Scott to contest one of golf’s oldest titles.

“Obviously I have a lot of great memories of the Australian Open, so I am really excited to be heading there again,’’ Westwood said. “We all enjoy playing in Australia because of the standard of the courses, the knowledgeable fans and the great weather. It is also a really strong field again this year, so it will be a superb spectacle.’’

The 42-year-old Englishman, winner of 42 professional tournaments, has had a difficult year on tour after his marriage broke up midyear, but as Rory McIlroy proved two years ago when he became the second European to win the title, the Australian Open has the ability to put careers back on track.

Tournament director Trevor Herden said: “Lee is one of the most successful players of this era, including having won our national championship before.

“He is one of the best ball-strikers and most consistent players in the world, so we can’t wait to see if he can get his hands on a second Stonehaven Cup.’’

Clarke, 47, the incoming European Ryder Cup captain, will make his third trip to the Open but his first since 2008.

“Darren is an extremely entertaining player, engages with the fans and is always good value to have around the tournament,’’ Herden said.

The tournament, to be held November 26-29, should also benefit from the return of most of Australia’s Presidents Cup players. Scott is already confirmed and Marc Leishman and Steven Bowditch will be high on the tournament organisers’ priority list.

Former world No 1 Scott showed something of a return to form on the final day of the Presidents Cup last Sunday, when he whipped US star Rickie Fowler 6&5 in match play.

Leishman defeated world No 1 Spieth on the last day.