DEFENDING CHAMPION: Young gun Zach Murray defeated Josh Geary and Ashley Hall by two shots here last year, reaching 21-under-par, 266.

COURSES: Set against the backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Millbrook Resort was designed by Sir Bob Charles and renovated by Greg Turner in 2010.

The Hills, meanwhile, opened in 2007 and was designed by Darby Partners.

Each player will complete one round on each course, before the weekend action is held exclusively at Millbrook Resort.

PRIZEMONEY: NZ$1,400,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Defending champion Zach Murray made his WGC debut in Mexico last week – finishing T48 – and should return to New Zealand confident about his title defence. The 22-year-old from Wodonga put on an impressive ball-striking display here last year and won fairly comfortably, despite Ash Hall’s late charge. He should find himself towards the business end of the leaderboard come Sunday.

RIGHT: Murray is the defending champion at the NZ Open this week. PHOTO: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images.

Jordan Zunic won this event in 2015 and has generally played well here throughout his career, despite narrowly missing the cut last year. The New South Welshman is staying with his in-laws this week and will be looking to capitalise on that ‘home-away-from-home’ advantage.

Also keep an eye on Sweden’s Pernilla Lindberg ... The 2018 ANA Inspiration winner is set to become the first female professional to compete in the New Zealand Open.

72-HOLE RECORD: Queenslander Daniel Nisbet shot 27-under-par 258 in 2018 when he defeated his Aussie compatriot Terry Pilkadaris by two shots.

RECENT AUSSIE WINNERS: Zach Murray (2019), Daniel Nisbet (2018), Matthew Griffin (2016), Jordan Zunic (2015) and Dimi Papadatos (2014).

RELATED: So-called expert tips for this week

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 1pm – 5pm)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 1pm – 5pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 12pm – 3pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 REPLAY 6pm – 8pm)
*AEDT, check local guides