The Australian Open, already stymied by the falling Australian dollar when it came to attracting overseas players, suffered another blow yesterday.
Irishman Padraig Harrington, the top-ranked player in the field, withdrew from the tournament to be staged at Kingston Heath later this month, citing personal reasons.
"Due to family reasons, Padraig won't be playing in the Open and doesn't plan to play in anything else this year," Australian Golf Union executive director Colin Phillips said.
"We're obviously very disappointed, but there are more important things in life than golf.
"With luck we'll see him next year at the Grand."
The Grand in Queensland will host the 2001 Open, while the Victoria Golf Club will stage the 2002 tournament.
Harrington cited personal reasons for withdrawing from the Australian Open. Allsport.
Organisers are confident the 2001 field headed by Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Mark O'Meara will still attract good galleries.
Stuart Appleby and Robert Allenby lead a strong Australian contingent and Volvo Masters winner Pierre Fulke is making the trip down under.
American Matt Kuchar and defending champion Aaron Baddeley, both recent additions to the professional ranks, will also be in the field.
