West Palm Beach, FL -- (Sports Network) - Greg Norman announced on his website on Wednesday he will not make his return to competitive golf in the Australian Open next month.

Norman had surgery on his damaged right shoulder in late September and his surgeon, Dr. James Bradley, advised the 54-year-old to sit out the event scheduled to take place between December 3-6.

The Aussie will also sit out the 21st annual Shark Shootout, which he will still serve as host the following week.

"Having made the decision to have surgery in September in order to facilitate my playing the Australian Open and The Shark Shootout, I am disappointed," said Norman. "At the same time, I understand it would not be prudent to rush my return to competitive golf."

This is the first time Norman will miss The Shark Shootout.