Australian Open roars into action 3-6 December at Sydney's NSW Golf Course

A star-studded crowd gathered at the Sydney Opera House last night for one of the biggest nights in the Australian golfing calendar, the Australian Open Welcome Gala

Australian and international golfing stars including John Daly, Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy were joined by some of Australia's best-known faces such as Andy Lee, Megan Gale, and Hamish Blake, for a cocktail reception at the iconic Guillaume at Bennelong.

The celebration marked the start of the Australian Open Golf Championship, Australia's oldest and most prestigious golfing tournament, which will be played at the NSW Golf Club 3-6 December.

American legend and reformed bad-boy John Daly and his new partner Anna Cladakis charmed local guests and media, while local boys James Nitties, Matthew Goggin and Aaron Baddeley shared details of their preparation for the tournament with the crowd.

Aria-nominated artist (and golfing fan) Paul Dempsey of Something for Kate performed songs from his new solo album plus some old favourites while guests enjoyed Taylors Wines, Crown Lager and Champagne Lanson.