Greg Norman is teeing it up for a rare appearance on the US PGA Tour this week.

With all of the tour’s big names away at the WGC-Match Play Championship, 57-year-old Norman is one of four veteran former world No.1s in the field at the $US3.7 million Mayakoba Classic in Mexico. He’s joined by Nick Price, David Duval and Tom Lehman.

One reason Norman is playing is that he designed the tournament venue, the par-71 El Camaleon course in Riviera Maya.

“Here’s one of my favorite golf courses that we have built, there’s no question about it,” Norman said.

“I know this event is near and dear to a lot of players in their hearts and I think in the future it’s extremely secure.

“There’s no question about it. Mayakoba will stand the test of time for years and years to come.”

Norman hopes his game can stand the test as he feels healthy for the event.

“I had surgery on my left shoulder a year ago and now I’ve got my strength back,” he said. “I feel like I can go out there and play again.”

The event is being eyed for a move to late in the calendar year as part of a restructuring of the US developmental series and qualifying for PGA playing rights but for now it remains opposite a World Golf Championships event.

Defending champion Johnson Wagner won his third career US PGA title last month in Hawaii and figures to be among the contenders once again, along with fellow Americans Cameron Beckman, the 2010 Mayakoba champion, and Brian Gay, who won the event in 2008.