Australia's most successful female golfer last played at Royal Canberra in 1989, competing in the Australian schoolgirls championship.

Webb didn't win that tournament, but when she makes her return to the course in February, on offer will be her fifth women's Australian Open title.

''I was excited to be in Canberra when I was in grade nine, but I think I'll definitely appreciate it a lot more, being in Canberra this time,'' the World Golf Hall of Fame member joked via telephone link at the launch of the Open yesterday.

''All the Aussie girls over here have talked up Royal Canberra and got the girls excited to come back down next year.''

It's the first time the women's Australian Open will be played at Royal Canberra, which has hosted the Royal Canberra Ladies Classic for the past three years. The course will be lengthened to 6108 metres and par 73 for the tournament on February 14-17.

For the second year running, the Open will be an official LPGA tour event, with a record US$1.2 million in prizemoney on offer for the 156 players in the field.

This year's Open, played at Royal Melbourne, included three of the top five players in the world.

Tournament director Trevor Herden said there were plenty of reasons Canberra would attract the same calibre of golfers in 2013.

''One of the benefits of playing the first event of the year, you get a great kick start for the season,'' he said.

''So we're expecting equal if not better than what we had this year.

''And it's a Solheim Cup year [the women's version of the Ryder Cup], which is another reason why they'll all be here - to qualify.''

American superstar Paula Creamer, who missed this year's Open due to a wedding, is one player Herden's team is working hard to bring to Canberra.

Tiger Woods' niece Cheyenne is another who could potentially make the trip to the nation's capital.

The tournament will kick off a bumper year of sport for Canberra's centenary celebrations.

''It's so great that the city of Canberra should play host to the world's female golfing superstars,'' ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

''Canberra has produced many high profile female sportswomen and the Canberra community is a great supporter of women's sport.

''It sets the stage for a fantastic year, there's no doubt it will draw visitors to our city, and that's also an important part of the centenary program.''

Organisers are hoping to attract 3000 spectators per day to the event, and are currently recruiting volunteers to assist during the tournament.

WOMEN'S AUSTRALIAN OPEN

At Royal Canberra Golf Club on February 14-17, 2013. Visit www.royalcanberra.com.au for details.