DEFENDING CHAMPION: Marc Leishman captured his fifth PGA Tour title at Torrey Pines last year, shooting 15-under-par 273 to defeat Spaniard Jon Rahm by one shot.

COURSE: The North Course at Torrey Pines opened in 1957 and was originally designed by William F. Bell before being redesigned by Tom Weiskopf in 2016. The South Course, meanwhile, was also created by Bell and was redesigned by Rees Jones in 2001. It will be used exclusively for the weekend’s rounds. Torrey Pines, which sits on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is also set to host this year’s US Open from June 17-20.

PRIZEMONEY: US$7,500,000.

RELATED: So-called expert golf tips for this week

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Defending champ Marc Leishman bolted home here last year, starting the final round four shots behind overnight leader Jon Rahm, before shooting seven-under 65 and registering his fifth career victory on the US Tour.

Leishman fell out of form following the PGA Tour’s three-month coronavirus hiatus, missing five cuts from 10 starts between June and September. But the World No.31 appears to have righted the ship since sharing 15th place at the Masters in November, adding three additional top-25s from four starts leading into the New Year.

“I didn't have my best stuff towards the end of last year after we had the break. I've got that under control now and that's in the past, so I'm ready to go for this week,” Leishman said during a teleconference this morning.

RIGHT: Leishman defeated Rahm by one shot at Torrey Pines last year. PHOTO: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images.

Sydneysider Cameron Davis did everything but win at The American Express last week, finishing third behind South Korean champion Si Woo Kim and American runner-up Patrick Cantlay.

The 25-year-old, who plays out of Monash Country Club, carded eight birdies in the final round on the Stadium Course at PGA West, leading to his best result in a PGA Tour event.

Davis ranked second in strokes gained tee-to-green and fourth on approach shots on Sunday last week. If he can continue that form at Torrey Pines and maximise his chances on the greens, he should once again find himself in contention over the weekend.

72-HOLE RECORD: George Burns (1987) and Tiger Woods (1999) both reached 22-under-par 266. Woods went on to record six additional tournament titles, most recently in 2013.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Marc Leishman (2020) and Jason Day (2018 & 2015).

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Aaron Baddeley, Cameron Davis, Jason Day, Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, Cameron Percy, Adam Scott, John Senden and Cameron Smith.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7am – 11am)
Round 2: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7am – 11am)
Round 3: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 5am – 10am)
Round 4: Monday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 5am – 10:30am)
*AEDT, check local guides