DEFENDING CHAMPION: Back-to-back defending champion Cameron Smith defeated his World Cup partner Marc Leishman by two shots here last year, reaching 16-under-par 272.

COURSE: The Graham Marsh-designed championship course at RACV Royal Pines Resort is made up of the Green and Gold nines. The par-72 layout measures 6,690 metres from the tips.

PRIZEMONEY: AU$1,500,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Hard to imagine Cameron Smith won’t be thereabouts this week ... The 26-year-old played exceptionally well to defeat World No.4 Justin Thomas in the singles matches at the Presidents Cup last week and clearly finds something extra here. Smith averages 67.75 from his last eight rounds at Royal Pines.

Former World No.1 Adam Scott was gutted with the Internationals’ loss at Royal Melbourne last week, but his iron play looked as sharp as ever. The Queenslander missed the cut at his national Open two weeks ago – and he failed to make the weekend here when he last played in 2017, so the pressure’s right on.

Gentle giant Zach Murray trails Order of Merit leader Ryan Fox by $75,000 and could still earn himself membership on the European Tour for next season if all goes to plan.

72-HOLE RECORD: Nick O’Hern shot 266 (22-under par) at Hyatt Coolum in 2006.

RECENT WINNERS: Cameron Smith (2018 & 2017), Harold Varner III (2016), Nathan Holman (2015), Greg Chalmers (2014) and Adam Scott (2013).

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Channel 7 LIVE 12pm – 5pm)
Round 2: Friday (Channel 7 LIVE 12pm – 2:30pm; Channel 72 LIVE 2:30pm – 5pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Channel 7 LIVE 12:30pm – 5pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Channel 7 LIVE 12:30pm – 2:30pm; Channel 72 LIVE 2:30pm – 5:30pm)
*AEDT, check local guides