Former world number one Greg Norman will be wired for sound at this week's Heineken Classic in Melbourne which was to start this morning, weather permitting.

Norman has agreed to wear a microphone during play at Royal Melbourne to try to make golf more interesting for television viewers.

Such technology has been used in skins tournaments and some made-for-television events, but it is believed to be the first time it will be used in a regular tour event.

"I have said for 20 years give me a microphone and I'll gladly wear it," Norman said ahead of the €1.2 million event. "I have said that to the PGA Tour in America and here in Australia. Whatever it takes to bring the TV audience and the spectators to golf, absolutely I'll do it."

Norman's playing partners in the first two rounds, Colin Montgomerie and Stuart Appleby, were asked about the gimmick and neither had any objections.

"There is no problem at all," confirmed Montgomerie, fresh from his second-place in the Caltex Masters in Singapore on Sunday. "What is said between us on the golf course, there is nothing hidden, and tomorrow there can't be can there?

"It will be interesting to get an insight into what Greg is talking to his caddie about."

An inch and a half of rain fell on Royal Melbourne yesterday morning, and although tournament officials remained optimistic, with more rain forecast overnight the first day's play could be disrupted.

Among the four Irish in the field is Graeme McDowell, who has been given a high-profile pairing with last week's Singapore winner Nick Dougherty and local leftie Richard Green.

Damien McGrane, Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy are also competing.