Spieth's Sydney sojourn comes with cash splash

SYDNEY - World No 2 Jordan Spieth will be well rewarded for his trip Down Under this week, regardless of whether he successfully defends his title at the Australian Open, where he has developed a love affair with fans over the last four years.

The American's appearance fee for the tournament, which opens at The Australian course in Sydney on Thursday, will be in the vicinity of $1 million.

But it is money well spent, according to Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt.