Kuchar to make professional debut in Melbourne

US amateur star Matt Kuchar will make his professional debut at the Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club this month.

Kuchar, 22, won the 1997 US Amateur Championship after a string of three successive victories by Tiger Woods.

The following year Kuchar drew the spotlight at the US Masters where he fired the best 72-hole total by an amateur in 20 years.

He finished in 21st spot behind winner Mark O'Meara, who will also play in this year's Australian Open.

Matt Kuchar seen in action at the US Amateur. Allsport.

Kuchar, from Florida, also caused a shock at the 1998 US Open where he was challenging for outright second place in the third round.

He eventually finished in a tie for 14th which was the best finish by an amateur in 25 years.

Kuchar and O'Meara will be joined in the Australian Open by Greg Norman, Robert Allenby and Stuart Appleby.

Briton Nick Faldo will be there along with Pierre Fulke, who won the Volvo Masters title at the weekend.

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