Highly-rated American Jason Dufner and South African major winner Charl Schwartzel are the first international stars confirmed as starters for the Perth International golf tournament in October.

Currently ranked No.9 in the world, Dufner was described by Sports Illustrated Magazine in June as the hottest golfer on the planet.

The 35-year-old was runner-up at the 2011 US PGA Championship, losing in a playoff, and has enjoyed a stellar 2012 season with seven top-10 finishes highlighted by wins at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Byron Nelson Championship.

He sits third on the PGA TOUR money list and will make his debut in the Ryder Cup next month.

Schwartzel has already won seven times on the European Tour and stormed home with four consecutive birdies to win last year’s Masters at Augusta.

The 27-year-old will look to emulate the feats of his countrymen Gary Player, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen as a champion at Perth’s Lake Karrinyup layout from October 18-21.