Exhibit A is this week’s opposite field event, the Puerto Rico Open, where everybody from a former World No.1 to college kids with potential will rub shoulders away from the main spotlight.

First played in 2008, the Puerto Rico Open has always been a secondary event on the PGA Tour, occupying an awkward space between main Tour and Korn Ferry Tour status.

The field is always one of the most eclectic of the season with veterans in the twilight of their career leaning on past performance to potential stars of the future with a chance to kickstart a career.

For those more interested in the game within a game that is building and maintaining a professional career than the week-to-week big show, the Puerto Rico Open is where it’s at this week.Exhibit A is this week’s opposite field event, the Puerto Rico Open, where everybody from a former World No.1 to college kids with potential will rub shoulders away from the main spotlight.

RIGHT: Branden Grace claimed an emotional win here in 2021 after the death of his father, but the South African won't be back this year as he tees it up at Bay Hill. PHOTO: Andy Lyons/Getty Images.

First played in 2008, the Puerto Rico Open has always been a secondary event on the PGA Tour, occupying an awkward space between main Tour and Korn Ferry Tour status.

The field is always one of the most eclectic of the season with veterans in the twilight of their career leaning on past performance to potential stars of the future with a chance to kickstart a career.

For those more interested in the game within a game that is building and maintaining a professional career than the week-to-week big show, the Puerto Rico Open is where it’s at this week.

DEFENDING CHAMPION: It was an emotional victory for Branden Grace just weeks after losing his father to Covid-19.

The South African claimed his second PGA Tour title in dramatic fashion with a holed bunker shot to make eagle at the 71st hole followed by a birdie at the last to pip a fast-finishing Jhonattan Vegas.

Grace won’t defend this title this year as he will be playing the Arnold Palmer event instead.

COURSE: For 51 weeks a year the Grand Reserve Country Club is what might best be described as a typical resort course for a windy location.

Wide fairways and lots of short grass make it look ‘easy’ though typically strong afternoon winds quickly change that perception.

When the Tour comes to town each year the Tom Kite designed course shows its teeth a little more including two back nine par-5s that exceed 550 metres.

Scoring here tends to mirror what is expected week to week on the Tour with winners generally coming in between 12- and 20-under-par for the week.

RELATED: So-called expert golf tips for this week

PRIZEMONEY: US$3,700,000

PLAYERS TO WATCH: These opposite field events attract such an eclectic mix of golfers it’s hard to know where to look.

Former World No.1 Luke Donald is teeing up this week as are college standouts Trevor Werbylo and Kevin Yu.

The wind is a constant factor at Grand Reserve Country Club during this event. PHOTO: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images.

However, while many names in the field may be unfamiliar make no mistake, all are exceptional golfers.

In many respects the stakes are higher for players in Puerto Rico than for those at Bay Hill who, for the most part, have some security of employment.

Most in the opposite field event are either on their way up to the Tour or have a career trajectory moving the other way, down from it. A good week here can revitalise or even kickstart a career.

So out of all that who might one follow? Local player Rafael Campos would be a fairy tale result after a T3 finish here last year.

Campos held the 54-hole lead but was overtaken in the final round despite shooting a creditable two-under-par 70.

Of the better known names, last week’s first round leader Kurt Kitayama has made the trip to Puerto Rico as have several former PGA Tour winners.

2013 PGA winner Jason Dufner, Ryder Cup player Rafa Cabrera Bello and former FedExCup champion Bill Haas all take their place in the field though none have shown any promising recent form.

Australia is well represented and not without hope this week with Aaron Baddeley boasting a decent record in the event (three starts for two top-10s) and Greg Chalmers one of the game’s better wind players.

72-HOLE RECORD: 267 (-21, Chesson Hadley, 2014)

18-HOLE RECORD: 62 (Jhonattan Vegas, 2020)

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: No Australian has won the event.

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Cameron Percy, Brett Drewitt, Aaron Baddeley, Greg Chalmers and Mark Hensby.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 2am –5am)
Round 2: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 2am – 5am)
Round 3: No listed coverage.
Round 4: No listed coverage.
*AEDT, check local guides