New world number four, Jordan Spieth, confirmed he will defend his Emirates Australian Open title later this year in Sydney.

The 21-year-old Spieth indicated plans were already well advanced to head back ‘Down Under’ after finishing runner-up to fellow Texan Jimmy Walker in the Valero Texas Open.

Last December, Spieth became the first American since Brad Faxon in 1993 to handed the the famed Stonehaven Trophy.

“Yes, it may be March but I am already looking forward to heading back to Sydney to defend my Australian Open title,” said Spieth.

American sensation Jordan Spieth wins the Australian Open on the same course where Greg Norman won the fifth of five Australian Open titles and now confirming after finishing runner-up in San Antonio he will return to defend his title later this year.. (Photo – Anthony Powter/www.golffile.ie)

“I’m currently in the process of organizing that so the 2015 Australian Open is definitely on my schedule.”

Spieth’s effort on Sunday in the Alamo City saw him jump two places on the World Rankings and that much closer to World No. 1 Rory McIlroy who Spieth replaced as the Australian Open winner.

That’s cool as I am inching closer and closer each week,” said Spieth.

“I am just trying to take advantage of it but then I’m not pinching myself, because there’s still three guys ahead of me, so I’m just trying to climb up.”

And the ultra-talented Texas will also be heading to Augusta as an even bigger threat to win  an win an Augusta National green jacket.