Sergio Garcia will play in February's Australian Masters for just AU$ 200,000 dollars (£80,000), raising the prospect of a title shootout with six-times winner Greg Norman.
The 19-year-old Spaniard, whose potential rivalry with world No.1 Tiger Woods has given golf a global boost, agreed to play in Melbourne as part of his plan to build an international reputation.
With Woods reputedly able to command a million dollars in appearance fees, the exciting Garcia could certainly get far more than what he is receiving here to play in some parts of the world.
However, tournament organiser International Management Group managing director Martin Jolly said for Garcia the issue of appearance money was secondary to his desire to build an all-round game by experiencing conditions in different countries.
"He wants to play golf courses around the world to improve his game and make himself an international player, it's a refreshing attitude," Jolly said.
Garcia is managed by IMG, and the Masters is expected to be his only event in Australia this summer.
