Geoff Ogilvy says he is comfortable with the role of marquee attraction at next month's Australian Open in Sydney, even if doesn't except to attract any extra spectators.

Following Greg Norman's withdrawal due to a slow recovery from shoulder surgery, world No.14 Ogilvy seems destined to be the top-ranked player in the field.

He is not a natural showman like Norman, but insists he doesn't mind the limelight.

"I don't think extra people are going to come because I'm playing," said the 2006 US Open champion, who will be the only Australian major champion in the field.

"There are maybe three or four golfers in the world who could bring people who wouldn't ordinarily go to a tournament, and I'm definitely not one of them, but I'm pretty comfortable with that.

"If they're trying to sell the tournament on me, good luck. I would just love to win the Australian Open. I think the Australian Open will be fine.

"It will be a good showcase at New South Wales. We haven't been there for a while.

"Hopefully the weather works well for us, because it could be a horror show if we get one of those cold, wicked days like we had at Royal Sydney a couple of years ago."

Open organisers have little chance of attracting a late replacement for Norman, because the event clashes with two rich and exclusive events the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa and Tiger Woods' tournament in California.

Last year's champion, South African Tim Clark, won't even defend his title, after being offered a late spot in the Nedbank Challenge.

Ogilvy defended Clark's decision to play at home: "It's the biggest tournament in Africa by a long way and a South African has to play it," Ogilvy said.