Using a ‘Super 6’ format, players compete in stroke play over the first three days before the field is cut to 24 for six hole matches of medal match play eventually deciding a winner on Sunday.

Into its fourth year, the first edition failed to contain the match play format due to bad weather, but since then the unique format has given this event something of a profile against the usual 72-hole strokeplay diet.

Some will back up from the big events of the summer, however, many of the local circuit’s players have ended their year to rest up for a busy second half to the year post the festive season, giving young players and veterans the chance to contend here.

DEFENDING CHAMPION: South Australian Jack Thompson who now bases himself in Queensland claimed his maiden pro win here last year.

Almost missing the match play section, Thompson then found the match play section to his liking advancing to the final six hole battle with New South Welshman Jordan Zunic.

RIGHT: Jack Thompson poses with his maiden piece of professional golf silverware last year in the Gippsland region. PHOTO: Australian Golf Media.

Still level after the regulation match, the final went to a play-off where the pair missed the green at Warragul and a brilliant chip from Thompson left him a short putt that secured the title after Zunic missed his own chance from 15 feet.

COURSE: A magnificent example of the quality on offer in regional golf around Australia, Warragul Country Club features tree lined fairways and undulating greens with the conditioning of the par-70 a regular talking point for golfers when leaving the premises.

Measuring 5,089 metres this week and scarcely bunkered, the main challenge is finding the fairways here to avoid chipping and pitching around the challenging greens when having to approach from either the tree line or other fairways.

PRIZEMONEY: $200,000

PLAYERS TO WATCH: He was the round one leader last week at the Australian Open, and although he had his moments of struggles over the remaining three rounds, David Micheluzzi is one to watch here.

The Victorian is flying high after claiming his first win as a pro at the WA PGA and is a creative and strong ball striker who should find this layout to his liking.

Also arriving in strong form, Louis Dobbelaar didn’t have his best stuff at the Open, but following a weekend off he was very impressive in the opening round of the Cathedral Invitational on Monday. The Queenslander eventually finishing in a share of 11th at the two day event.

Dobbelaar has had big wraps on him since his teen years, and the Brookwater member has taken to professional golf in an impressive way despite failing to nab a trophy just yet. Expect him to be a regular over the remainder of the summer and in the running for a DP World Tour card via the Order of Merit come season’s end.

Aaron Wilkin was a recent winner at Nudgee and is another that will perhaps find this week more comfortable than last.

Wilkin will be interesting to watch after his QLD PGA triumph as he likely plays with more freedom and confidence.

As the defending champion, Jack Thompson obviously enjoys the layout and he showed some good signs last week across Victoria and Kingston Heath.

Finishing in a share of 18th, Thompson’s Saturday 67 to ensure his place on Sunday displayed the determination this once amateur standout has and it wouldn’t surprise if he were to become this event’s first two-time winner.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Not Televised)
Round 2: Friday (Not Televised)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 505 2:30pm – 5:30pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 505 12:30am – 5:30pm)
*AEDT, check local guides