DEFENDING CHAMPION: American Keith Mitchell defeated Rickie Fowler and Brooks Koepka by one shot here last year, reaching nine-under-par, 271.

COURSE: The Champion Course at PGA National Golf Club, in Florida, was designed by Tom Fazio and his uncle, George, before being reworked by Jack Nicklaus in 2014. It now features the notorious ‘Bear Trap’ (holes 15, 16 and 17).

PRIZEMONEY: US$7,000,000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH …

Former champion (2017) Rickie Fowler was runner up to Keith Mitchell last year and clearly has an affinity for the Champions Course. The Californian hasn’t competed on Tour since sharing 37th place at the Phoenix Open four weeks ago – but his early season form and past record here suggest he will likely be in the thick of things this week.

RIGHT: Keith Mitchell is the defending champion at PGA National this week. PHOTO: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.

World No.3 Brooks Koepka (sounds strange, doesn’t it?) shared second place with Fowler here last year and will be champing at the bit to rediscover his best form after an unusual stretch of poor results. In fact, the 29-year-old American has only recorded one top-20 finish in his past six starts on Tour.

72-HOLE RECORD: Justin Leonard shot 24-under-par 264 in 2003 when he defeated his American compatriots Chad Campbell and Davis Love III by one shot.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Adam Scott (2016) and Stuart Appleby (1997).

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Greg Chalmers, Cameron Davis, Matt Jones and Cameron Percy.

RELATED: So-called expert tips for this week

TV TIMES*
Round 1: Friday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 6am – 10am)
Round 2: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 6am – 10am)
Round 3: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 5am – 10am)
Round 4: Monday (Fox Sports 503 LIVE 5am – 10:00am)
*AEDT, check local guides