This week’s LPGA event, the Toto Japan Classic, makes its first appearance on the US schedule since 2019.

But the tournament – co-sanctioned with the Japan LPGA since 1975 – was in fact played in 2020 and 2021, just not with LPGA sanctioning or players.

Ai Suzuki is listed as the official defending champion though Ayaka Furue captured the title last year and Jiyai Shin was champion in 2020.

DEFENDING CHAMPION: See above. Ai Suzuki won the most recent co-sanctioned version of the tournament with a bogey-free weekend and a three-shot margin from Hyo Joo Kim.

It was her first LPGA title. In 2021, without the accompanying LPGA field, Ayaka Furue posted a three-shot win over Mone Inami.

RIGHT: Ayaka Furue won this event last year when it was played without LPGA co-sanctioning. PHOTO: Toru Hanai/Getty Images.

COURSE: The tournament has had several homes over the years and been played at the Seta Course in Otsu, in the Shiga prefecture, 13 times in total.

It is a layout that is difficult to find information about though Annika Sorenstam clearly had a liking for it.

The Swede won this tournament five consecutive times from 2001 to 2005, the last four at this venue.

Historically a three round tournament the format was switched to 72 holes last year and that remains the case in 2022.

Fields have usually found the scoring to their liking at Seta with Sorenstam’s 24-under-par over 54 holes in 2003 testament to both her talent and the scoring opportunities on offer.

(Sorenstam also returned scores of 21-under and 22-under around the same course in 2004 and 2005).

Last year’s 16-under-par winning total is the only time the tournament has been played over four rounds here so unknown if it will be much of a guide.

RELATED: So-called expert golf tips for this week

PRIZEMONEY: US$2,000,000

Minjee Lee is back in action and chasing more LPGA success in 2022. PHOTO: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Newly minted World No.1 Atthaya Thitikul heads the field and given her form in 2022 will be among the favourites.

The Thai teenager was a winner a month ago but has hardly missed a beat since with three top-10 finishes suggesting she remains in top form.

A disappointing Sunday 74 last start cost her the chance of a third victory of the season, but it would be a surprise if she doesn’t bounce back quickly.

While Thitikul will be a danger so, too, will the Japanese contingent on home soil.

Those who are regulars on the LPGA will be particularly motivated to perform in front of a home crowd who get few opportunities to see them play in person.

In that category Nasa Hataoka will be worth watching, the 23-year-old one of the circuit’s most consistent performers.

Hataoka won this tournament – at this course, importantly – in 2018 and while her last four starts haven’t produced a top-10 finish she will be refreshed after a week off.

Second only to Thitikul in birdies made for the year, Hataoka will be dangerous in what should be a low scoring affair.

As is so often the case with the LPGA there are multiple world top-10 players in the field including our own Minjee Lee.

The West Australian has been at less than her best since a top five finish in August, but a player of Lee’s calibre is only ever one good swing away from turning around a run of poor form.

PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: Karrie Webb (2006)

AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Minjee Lee, Steph Kyriacou

TV TIMES*

Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 505 1pm – 5pm)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 505 1pm – 5pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 505 1pm – 5pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 505 1pm – 5pm)
*AEDT, check local guides