Originally known as the Magnolia Classic which began in 1968, this tournament has been a regular on the Tour’s schedule since then under a variety of monikers and found its permanent home at The Country Club of Jackson in late 2014.

As one might expect of a tournament the week after a team competition and in light of the bans imposed on LIV Golf players, the field here is not of the top class, but the tournament has a knack for delivering top quality winners.

Three players will back up from Quail Hollow, including defending champion Sam Burns, while in something of a rarity there is a lone Australian in the field.

DEFENDING CHAMPION: American Sam Burns won his second event on the PGA Tour in 2021 here last year, the victory the first of three of the 2021/22 season.

Burns closed with a Sunday 67 that included four birdies in six holes on the back nine to reach 22-under and beat Nick Watney and Cameron Young by a solitary stroke.

RIGHT: Sam Burns triumphed here last year and took home the unique trophy. PHOTO: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images.

COURSE: For the ninth straight year The Country Club of Jackson welcomes this event and we can expect another good week for the top ball strikers in the field.

A relatively flat parcel of land is home to the tournament hosting Azalea and Dogwoods nines that combine to measure 7,461 yards and play to a par of 72.

Burns led the field in Greens in Regulation last year on his way to victory, and was preceded as champion by Sergio Garcia, which gives an insight into the importance of ball striking at the layout originally designed by Dick Wilson when the club moved from its original home in the 1960s. John Fought updating the course from 2007-2009 with Donald Ross’ work as his inspiration.

The challenge is primarily in the length of the layout, while the collection of par-3s are a key to success in Mississippi.

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PRIZEMONEY: US$7,900,000

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The defending champion Sam Burns leads the pack here after what will have been a bit of a bittersweet week at the Presidents Cup.

Burns’ team obviously won the cup, but he personally didn’t have his best stuff and struggled to contribute much when playing alongside his struggling close friend and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.

Harrison Endycott will be full of confidence after his first up success on the PGA Tour. PHOTO: Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images.

Back playing his own ball, Burns will be keen to show his wares, but it is not unreasonable to suggest he may have had a slightly sore head most of Monday this week.

The solo Aussie Harrison Endycott will want to fly the flag proudly, and after his debut performance on the PGA Tour, that is a very likely result.

The New South Welshman finished just outside the top-10 at the Fortinet Championship and then had a week off to breathe after his quick turnaround from Korn Ferry Tour Finals that include an insect bite during the Tour Championship that required medical attention.

This is a place for ball strikers, and Endycott fits the bill perfectly.

Sahith Theegala was on plenty of lips as a potential captain’s pick for the Presidents Cup, but missing out may have stoked even more fire in the belly of the promising youngster.

So close on numerous occasions to a maiden PGA Tour win last season, it feels as if it is a matter of when not if that the American gets over the line.

72-HOLE RECORD: 263 (Dan Halldorson, 1986)

18-HOLE RECORD (Country Club of Jackson): 62 (Roberto Castro, 2015)

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: No Australian has won this event.

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Harrison Endycott.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 503 5:30am – 8:30am)
Round 2: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 5:30am – 8:30am)
Round 3: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 7am – 10am)
Round 4: Monday (Fox Sports 505 7am – 10am)
*AEST/AEDT, check local guides