December date for Australian golf

SYDNEY, Australia -- Golf's Australian Open has been moved from November to December to avoid clashing with the Davis Cup tennis final.

The tournament, to be played at Moonah Links near Melbourne, will start on December 18 after previously clashing with the Australian tennis team's clash with Spain in Melbourne from November 28-30.

Australian golf officials have also announced the cancellation of November's Perth International due to financial reasons.

Australian Golf Union executive officer said the decision to move the Open had been taken after meeting with the television network that holds rights to both golf and tennis events.

"Although a change of date is regrettable it is in the best interest of the event and the viewing public who enjoy watching it," Phillips said.

Story Tools		Subscribe to Time for $1.99

Three share U.S. Open lead • Mickelson crashes to a dismal 77 • Williams and Jones shine for Lions • Ralf Schumacher repeats U.S. crash

CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards • Bin Laden deputy sends message • U.S. House votes to keep U.N. dues • Iran poll to go to run-off