DEFENDING CHAMPION: Matt Kuchar tees it up in Hawaii for the second straight week, this time defending his 2019 title won by four shots from Andrew Putnam.

COURSE: Established in 1927 with the original design completed by famed architect Seth Raynor before changes were completed by Desmond Muirhead in 1992, Waialae Country Club will host the PGA Tour for the 55th consecutive year this week. Measuring just a tip over 7,000 yards, the layout features many of Raynor’s hallmarks, including a Biarritz green and is lined by large native trees.

PRIZEMONEY: US$6,600,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Last week’s winner at Kapalua, Justin Thomas is impossible to go past here as one of the players to keep an eye on this week. Thomas stumbled late on Maui last week to give others a chance but eventually closed out a second win at the Tournament of Champions, something he will also hope to do this week. The World No.4 holds just about every scoring record on offer at Waialae from his 2017 victory and looks in ominous form again.

Patrick Reed missed his chance in a play-off with Thomas at Kapalua, where he was faced with what might be his new tournament golf reality, a fan yelling “Cheater” as he struck a put on the 18th hole. Reed has shown little signs of his recent controversies harming his form, and will out to quiet the negative talk with a win here this week at a venue that suits his game.

Australian Open champion Matt Jones makes his first start of 2020 here and will look to continue on his form after claiming a second Stonehaven Cup at The Australian Golf Club in December. Jones sits just inside the top-100 of the world rankings as he heads to Hawaii where he was T29 last year.

72-HOLE RECORD: Justin Thomas included a 59 on his way to a 253 shot total and victory in 2017.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Brett Ogle (1994) and Bruce Crampton (1969).

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Cameron Davis, Rhein Gibson, Matt Jones, Marc Leishman, Cameron Percy and Cameron Smith.

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 11am – 2:30pm)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 11am – 2:30pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 11am – 2:30pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 10am – 2pm)
*AEDT, check local guides