Norman enters Houston event ahead of Masters

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HOUSTON (AP) -- Greg Norman will play the Shell Houston Open on a sponsor's exemption.

Norman

The 53-year-old Australian will make his sixth start in the event, but first since 2002. The two-time British Open champion's best finish in Houston came in 1988, when he lost a playoff to Curtis Strange at The Woodlands. The tournament moved to Redstone Golf Club in 2003.

Australians have traditionally fared well in Houston, winning eight times. Stuart Appleby won in 2006 and finished second to fellow Aussie Adam Scott in 2007. Johnson Wagner won the tournament last year.

The 2009 Houston Open will be played from April 2-5, the week before The Masters.

Norman has cut back on his playing schedule in recent years to focus more on business interests, including golf course design, real estate development and his personal life. He married tennis great Chris Evert in June.

Norman led last year's British Open after three rounds and tied for third, earning an automatic bid to this year's Masters.