DEFENDING CHAMPION: American Dustin Johnson defeated China’s Haotong Li by two shots here last year, reaching 19-under-par 261.

COURSE: The 6,410-metre, par-70 Royal Greens Golf and Country Club was designed by European Golf Design and is located in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia.

PRIZEMONEY: US$3,500,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Defending champion Dustin Johnson will make his second appearance of the year this week, having shared seventh place at his season opener in Hawaii earlier this month. The former World No.1 claimed his first standalone European Tour victory here last year with rounds of 68, 61, 65 and 67. Look for another impressive performance from the 35-year-old this week.

World No.1 Brooks Koepka didn’t bring his best with him here last year – and he will be eager to atone for his share of 57th place. The American will make just his second start since spending three months on the sidelines following knee surgery.

Perth product Min Woo Lee recorded his best-ever result on the European Tour here last year, closing with seven-under 63 to claim fourth spot. The 21-year-old will no doubt be inspired by Lucas Herbert’s breakthrough Tour victory last week. His fellow Aussie is also in the field this week after his victory in Dubai.

72-HOLE RECORD: Dustin Johnson shot 19-under-par 261 in the inaugural event last year.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: No previous Australian winners.

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Scott Hend, Lucas Herbert, Min Woo Lee, David Micheluzzi and Wade Ormsby.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7pm – 9pm)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 7pm – 9pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 9pm – 1am)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 8:30pm – 1am)
*AEDT, check local guides