World number two Jordan Spieth confirmed Tuesday he will play the Australian Open for a third straight year, returning to a tournament where he has enjoyed success.

The American two-time major winner won the tournament by six shots in late 2014, a victory that set him up for his breakthrough year where he won the first two majors of 2015.

He returned last year when he narrowly missed a playoff, finishing tied-second with Adam Scott, a shot behind winner Matt Jones. 

"I look back at my win in the 2014 Emirates Australian Open with great memories as it helped me build momentum for 2015," said the 22-year-old Spieth, whose US Open defence ended with a whimper on Sunday in Pennsylvania as he finished tied 37th after a final-round 75.

"The Emirates Australian Open seems to grow in stature among the world’s players every year. The field is always strong and Royal Sydney should be a great test.”

The tournament gets under way at Royal Sydney Golf Club from November 17.

Source: AFP