DEFENDING CHAMPION: Lexi Thompson reached 12-under-par 201 here last year, finishing birdie-par-eagle to defeat South Korea’s Jeongeun Lee6 by one shot.

COURSE: The Bay Course at Seaview sits in the shadows of Atlantic City and was designed by acclaimed architects Donald Ross and Hugh Wilson. The 5,685-metre (par-71) links-style course opened in 1914, features small greens and pot bunkers, and is subjected to strong winds that whip up off the bay.

PRIZEMONEY: US$2,000,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Defending champ Lexi Thompson stormed home to win this event last year, sinking an impressive 20-foot eagle putt at the 54th hole to defeat Jeongeun Lee6, who was well on her way to earning Rookie of the Year honours.

Thompson returns to Seaview in decent nick, too. The 25-year-old Floridian finished fourth in her most recent start at the ANA Inspiration three weeks ago.

The World No.10 is also one of the longest drivers on Tour and is currently ranked 10th for greens in regulation, which is essential for success at the Bay Course, given its small putting surfaces.

RIGHT: Thompson won her 11th LPGA Tour title here last year. PHOTO: Hunter Martin/Getty Images.

World No.2 Nelly Korda will again be the highest-ranked player in the field this week as Jin Young Ko continues to play on the Korean Tour.

Korda hasn’t been able to add to her three career Tour titles – but she is heading in the right direction, finishing T41, T40, T38, T14, T3 and T2 from her six starts in 2020.

The 22-year-old lost to Mirim Lee in the three-way playoff for the ANA Inspiration two weeks ago and will be feeling confident about her game. She did, however, miss the cut when she made her first and only ShopRite appearance in 2017.

54-HOLE RECORD: Swedes Anna Nordqvist and Annika Sorenstam both reached 17-under-par 196 when they won their respective titles in 2016 and 2005. The ShopRite will this year be played across 72 holes instead of 54.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Karrie Webb (2013).

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Hannah Green, Sarah Kemp, Katherine Kirk, Minjee Lee, Su Oh and Sarah Jane Smith.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 3am – 6am)
Round 2: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 3am – 6am)
Round 3: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 4am – 7am)
Round 4: Monday (Fox Sports 506 LIVE 4am – 7am)
*AEST, check local guides