Greg Norman has pulled out of next month's Australian Open in Sydney and the Shark Shootout in Florida because of a slow recovery from shoulder surgery.

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The former world number one was billed as one of the major draw cards for the December 3-6 Australian Open, signing a three-year appearance deal, but withdrew from the event and his own tournament a week later on medical advice.

"Naturally we're disappointed that Greg will not be able to join us," Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said. "We wish him well in his recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Australian Open field in 2010."