Australian Open runner up Dimi Papadatos and 2018 Australian PGA Player of the Year Matt Millar will headline this year’s event.

Reigning champion Nathan Green will return to defend his crown, while Australian golfing legends Peter O’Malley and Craig Parry are also expected to take part.

For Papadatos, the trip to Wagga will form the early part of a big year ahead, that will feature a start in the British Open in July.

The 27-year-old finished runner up at Wagga last year and is looking forward to his return.

“I can’t wait. It’s always a good Pro-Am to come back to,” Papadatos said.

“It’s a good course, good competition and always a good field so I’m looking forward to it.”

Last year’s victory was a satisfying one for Green, who is a winner on the US PGA Tour.

He had not fought out the finish of a tournament for some time and has always enjoyed the annual Wagga event.

“It should be good. I don’t play a whole lot but it’s always a really good few days out there,” Green said.

“It’s one of my favourite tournaments. It’s a good, vibrant town, with plenty to do.

“I really enjoyed it last year. It was the most nervous I’ve been in a long time...having to sink a putt on the last to win.

“I’m looking forward to coming back.”

Wagga Pro-Am chairman Ashley Briggs is delighted with the early interest in the event.

“We are confident that next month the Wagga Pro Am will attract its greatest ever field. The field will be the equal to any NSW Open,” Briggs said.

“Spectator attendance is free and we are hoping for our largest ever crowd to follow some of these great players.”

Former Scottish Open champion Rebecca Artis will return to be special guest at the Ladies Classic.

This year’s Pro-Am, again sponsored by Ron Crouch Transport, will be held on Thursday and Friday, March 28-29.

It won NSW Pro-Am of the Year at last year’s industry awards.

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