World No. 1 Luke Donald will contest this year’s Australian Masters in Melbourne.

Donald disclosed his intention to compete in one of Australia’s ‘Big Three’ events on the eve of the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

Luke Donald looking to add the Australian Masters to his Barclays Scottish Open success. (Photo - www.golffile.ie)

It will the Englishman’s first visit to Australia since he was 17 years of age when the then amateur travelled to Beltmont near Newcastle in New South Wales to compete in the prestigious Lake Macquarie Amateur championship.

“Strangely, I’ve only been to ‘Oz’ once and that was an amateur to play in the Lake Macquarie Championship, and I can’t remember what year that was,” said the now 32-year old Donald.

“So I’ve never been to Melbourne before but I’v heard so much about the Sandbelt courses and the Victoria course where the Australian Masters is being played this year.”

Joining Donald will be fellow Brit and Ryder Cup winning colleague, Ian Poulter and they’ll join Australia’s and defending champion, Stuart Appleby in seeking to be fitted with the gold jacket.

The 32nd Australian Masters will be staged from December 15th to 18th, 2011 at the Victoria Club.