Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Tourism and Major Events Minister George Souris and Sport Minister Gabrielle Upton on Monday welcomed one of the world's best golfers Rory McIlroy to Sydney for Australian Open.

The 2013 Australian Open Golf Championship starts at the Royal Sydney Golf Club on Thursday.

"I am delighted to welcome him to NSW," Souris said in a statement on Monday.

"And the battle between Rory and our own home grown hero and world number two, Adam Scott, will be something to thrill golf fans everywhere," he said.

The tournament provides the only opportunity for Australian golf fans to see Irish golfer Mcllroy take on Australian Scott, who will try to secure the Australian Triple Crown by winning the Stonehaven Cup.

"This is the final tournament of the PGA Tour of Australasia season and it's great to see Sydney host this world-class event. Visitors coming to the Australian Open Golf in Sydney are in for a real treat to indulge their golfing passion," Souris said.

Upton said Australia has consistently produced world class golfers and sporting ambassadors.

"Adam Scott has been in career-best form having earlier this year become the first Aussie to win the U.S. Masters," the NSW Sport Minister said.

"This week he will attempt to win the triple crown of Australian golf and just last month was awarded Australia's prestigious The Don Award by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame - a first for a golfer."